Tepui Firefly vs Brilliant Emerald

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Tepui Firefly Brilliant Emerald
Scientific Name Photinus tepui Somatochlora metallica
Order Coleoptera Odonata
Family Lampyridae Corduliidae
Size 10-15 mm 50-55mm
Habitat Mountains Woodlands
Diet Predators Predators
Regions South America (Venezuela - tepui region, Guyana) Europe, Asia
Conservation Data Deficient Least Concern

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.

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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.

Brilliant Emerald

A metallic green dragonfly with brilliant emerald green eyes. Males patrol low over sheltered lakes and woodland pools. Its thorax is covered with fine golden-green hairs.

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Did You Know?

Its entire body shimmers with metallic green iridescence, making it one of Europe's most beautiful dragonflies.