Persian Spoonwing vs Australian Glow-Worm Firefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Persian Spoonwing Australian Glow-Worm Firefly
Scientific Name Lertha sheppardi Atyphella lychnus
Order Neuroptera Coleoptera
Family Nemopteridae Lampyridae
Size 28-36 mm wingspan (forewings) 8-15 mm
Habitat Grasslands Forests
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Iran, Middle East, Central Asia Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Data Deficient

Persian Spoonwing

A Middle Eastern nemopterid found in arid steppe and desert-margin habitats. Adults have beautifully patterned forewings and long trailing hindwings.

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Did You Know?

It emerges in brief spring blooms in the desert, matching its adult life to wildflower availability.

Australian Glow-Worm Firefly

One of Australia's few true firefly species, found in tropical Queensland rainforests. Females are wingless and glow from the forest floor.

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Did You Know?

Australia has surprisingly few firefly species compared to Southeast Asia, with most confined to the wet tropics of Queensland.