Larch Sawfly vs Japanese Genji Firefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Larch Sawfly Japanese Genji Firefly
Scientific Name Pristiphora erichsonii Luciola cruciata
Order Hymenoptera Coleoptera
Family Tenthredinidae Lampyridae
Size 8-12 mm (adult) 12-18 mm
Habitat Forests Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions North America, Europe Japan
Conservation Not Evaluated Vulnerable

Larch Sawfly

The most important defoliator of larch in North America. Periodic outbreaks can last for years and cause significant growth reduction.

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Did You Know?

Indigenous peoples used outbreaks as a calendar marker, as they occurred with notable regularity.

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.