Sweat Fly vs Femme Fatale Firefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sweat Fly Femme Fatale Firefly
Scientific Name Hydrotaea irritans Photuris versicolor
Order Diptera Coleoptera
Family Muscidae Lampyridae
Size 5-7 mm 11-15 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Dung Feeders Predators
Regions Europe, North America North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Sweat Fly

A small dark fly attracted to perspiration on humans and livestock. It forms dense head-circling swarms in summer that can be extremely annoying.

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Did You Know?

Swarms of these flies can reduce cattle weight gain by causing constant head-tossing behavior.

Femme Fatale Firefly

A predatory firefly that mimics the flash patterns of other species to lure males as prey. Females are aggressive hunters that consume other fireflies.

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Did You Know?

Females mimic the flash responses of Photinus females to attract and devour Photinus males, stealing their defensive chemicals in the process.