Japanese Genji Firefly vs Common False Blister Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Japanese Genji Firefly Common False Blister Beetle
Scientific Name Luciola cruciata Oedemera lurida
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Lampyridae Oedemeridae
Size 12-18 mm 5-8 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Meadows
Diet Omnivores Pollen Feeders
Regions Japan Europe
Conservation Vulnerable Least Concern

Japanese Genji Firefly

An aquatic-larval firefly revered in Japanese culture, found near clean streams. It is one of the few fireflies whose larvae develop entirely in freshwater.

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Did You Know?

Annual firefly-viewing festivals called hotarugari have been held in Japan for over a thousand years in honor of this species.

Common False Blister Beetle

A small olive-green or brownish beetle found commonly on flowers across Europe. Unlike the related O. nobilis, both sexes have slender femora.

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Did You Know?

Larvae develop inside the dead stems of various herbaceous plants, taking about a year to complete development.