South African Glowworm vs Saxon Wasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute South African Glowworm Saxon Wasp
Scientific Name Lamprigera boyei Dolichovespula saxonica
Order Coleoptera Hymenoptera
Family Lampyridae Vespidae
Size 15-40 mm (female), 10-15 mm (male) 12-18 mm
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Underground
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Africa, Southern Africa Western Europe, Central Europe, Northern Europe
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.

Saxon Wasp

A social wasp that builds distinctive grey football-shaped nests in trees and bushes. It is generally docile and its colonies die off naturally by late summer.

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Did You Know?

It was first confirmed breeding in Britain only in 1987, having expanded its range from mainland Europe.