South African Glowworm vs Aquatic Snail-killing Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute South African Glowworm Aquatic Snail-killing Fly
Scientific Name Lamprigera boyei Sepedon sphegea
Order Coleoptera Diptera
Family Lampyridae Sciomyzidae
Size 15-40 mm (female), 10-15 mm (male) 5-9 mm
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Wetlands
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Africa, Southern Africa North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

Aquatic Snail-killing Fly

A slender marsh fly with a distinctly pointed abdomen and yellowish-brown coloring. Larvae are aquatic predators of freshwater snails, attacking them underwater.

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Did You Know?

A single larva may consume multiple snails during its development, making it an effective natural snail control agent.