Tres Marias Firefly vs Comb-horned Crane Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Tres Marias Firefly Comb-horned Crane Fly
Scientific Name Photinus knabi Ctenophora ornata
Order Coleoptera Diptera
Family Lampyridae Tipulidae
Size 7-10 mm 15-25 mm body length
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Nectar Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions North America, Mexico Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Tres Marias Firefly

A small firefly native to Mexico with a yellowish-green flash. It has a dark body with a pale-bordered pronotum and is found in tropical deciduous forests.

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Did You Know?

Many Photinus species in Mexico remain poorly studied, with their flash patterns and mating behaviors largely undocumented.

Comb-horned Crane Fly

A striking wasp-mimicking crane fly with yellow and black abdominal bands. Males have elaborate comb-like antennae used to detect female pheromones.

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Did You Know?

Its presence indicates ancient woodland because larvae require large-diameter decaying logs.