Heike Firefly vs Variegated Flower Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Heike Firefly Variegated Flower Beetle
Scientific Name Luciola lateralis Gnorimus variabilis
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Lampyridae Scarabaeidae
Size 7-10 mm 15-20 mm
Habitat Farmland Parks
Diet Omnivores Pollen Feeders
Regions Japan, Korean Peninsula Europe
Conservation Near Threatened Vulnerable

Heike Firefly

A Japanese firefly associated with rice paddies, smaller than the Genji firefly. It flashes more rapidly and is found in lowland wetland habitats.

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Did You Know?

It is named after the Heike clan from Japanese history and is celebrated alongside the Genji firefly in summer festivals.

Variegated Flower Beetle

A dark brown or black beetle with variable yellow-white spots on the elytra. It is extremely rare and tied to ancient hollow trees.

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Did You Know?

It is so rare in Britain that it has been found at only a handful of sites in its entire recorded history.