Skimmer Stonefly vs Tepui Firefly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Skimmer Stonefly | Tepui Firefly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Acroneuria abnormis | Photinus tepui |
| Order | Plecoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Perlidae | Lampyridae |
| Size | 20-30 mm | 10-15 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Mountains |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Eastern North America | South America (Venezuela - tepui region, Guyana) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Data Deficient |
Skimmer Stonefly
A large predatory stonefly widespread in eastern North American rivers. Adults skim across the water surface during egg-laying flights.
Did You Know?
Female skimmer stoneflies bounce across the water surface while releasing eggs, appearing to skip like a stone.
Tepui Firefly
A bioluminescent beetle endemic to the isolated tepui tabletop mountains of Venezuela. It produces a distinctive greenish-yellow flash pattern used in mate attraction. The larvae are also luminous and prey on snails and other small invertebrates on the tepui summit.
Did You Know?
It lives only on the ancient tabletop mountains of Venezuela, which have been isolated for millions of years, making it a living relic of evolutionary history.