New Zealand Glowworm vs Bot Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | New Zealand Glowworm | Bot Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Arachnocampa luminosa | Dermatobia hominis |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Keroplatidae | Oestridae |
| Size | 30-40 mm (larvae) | 12-18 mm |
| Habitat | Caves | Forests |
| Diet | Fungus Feeders | Parasites |
| Regions | Oceania | Central America, South America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
New Zealand Glowworm
A bioluminescent fungus gnat larva endemic to New Zealand. Produces blue-green light to lure prey into sticky silk threads dangling from cave ceilings.
Did You Know?
These glowworms use a completely different bioluminescent chemistry from fireflies — their luciferin is unique in the animal kingdom, derived from xanthurenic acid.
Bot Fly
Parasitic fly whose larvae develop under the skin of mammals including humans. Female captures a mosquito and glues eggs to it — when the mosquito bites, body heat triggers egg hatching.
Did You Know?
The human bot fly is so devious it hijacks mosquitoes — it catches them, glues eggs to their bodies, then the eggs hatch when the mosquito lands on warm skin.