Pennsylvania Firefly vs Turnip Sawfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Pennsylvania Firefly | Turnip Sawfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Photuris pennsylvanica | Athalia rosae |
| Order | Coleoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Lampyridae | Tenthredinidae |
| Size | 10-15 mm | 6-8 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Predators | Herbivores |
| Regions | Eastern North America from Canada to Georgia | Europe, Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Pennsylvania Firefly
A common firefly of the eastern United States that produces a green-yellow bioluminescent flash. Adults are soft-bodied with a dark pronotum edged in pink.
Did You Know?
Females mimic the flash patterns of other firefly species to lure males as prey, earning them the name femme fatale fireflies.
Turnip Sawfly
A small orange and black sawfly whose larvae defoliate brassica crops.
Did You Know?
Larvae sequester glucosinolates from their food plants for chemical defense.