Japanese Genji Firefly vs Flower Chafer
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Japanese Genji Firefly | Flower Chafer |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Luciola cruciata | Oxythyrea funesta |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Lampyridae | Scarabaeidae |
| Size | 12-18 mm | 8-12 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Gardens |
| Diet | Omnivores | Pollen Feeders |
| Regions | Japan | Southern Europe, North Africa, Middle East |
| 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.
Did You Know?
Annual firefly-viewing festivals called hotarugari have been held in Japan for over a thousand years in honor of this species.
Flower Chafer
A small black flower beetle dotted with white spots, widespread across southern Europe and North Africa. It can be found in large numbers on roses and other garden flowers.
Did You Know?
Its Latin name funesta means mournful, referring to the black coloration dotted with white specks like a mourning garment.