Mammoth Cave Cricket vs South African Glowworm

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Mammoth Cave Cricket South African Glowworm
Scientific Name Hadenoecus subterraneus Lamprigera boyei
Order Orthoptera Coleoptera
Family Rhaphidophoridae Lampyridae
Size 15-30 mm 15-40 mm (female), 10-15 mm (male)
Habitat Caves Beaches & Coastal
Diet Predators Predators
Regions United States Africa, Southern Africa
Conservation Vulnerable Least Concern

Mammoth Cave Cricket

A large obligate cave cricket and keystone species of Mammoth Cave, Kentucky. Its eggs are the primary food source for many cave predators.

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Did You Know?

It is the most important nutrient source in the Mammoth Cave ecosystem.

South African Glowworm

A large firefly from southern Africa with larviform females that produce a steady bright greenish glow. Males are winged but rarely seen, while the large glowing females are conspicuous at night.

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Did You Know?

The females of this genus are among the largest fireflies in the world and can exceed 40 mm in length.