South African Glowworm vs Ghost Darner

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute South African Glowworm Ghost Darner
Scientific Name Lamprigera boyei Anax longipes
Order Coleoptera Odonata
Family Lampyridae Aeshnidae
Size 15-40 mm (female), 10-15 mm (male) 73-80 mm
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Ponds & Lakes
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.

Ghost Darner

A large green-eyed dragonfly with a distinctively long reddish-brown abdomen.

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Did You Know?

Males patrol over water with a conspicuous undulating flight pattern.