Twin-spotted Firefly vs Dinosaur Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Twin-spotted Firefly | Dinosaur Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Photinus tanytoxus | Nothomyrmecia macrops |
| Order | Coleoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Lampyridae | Formicidae |
| Size | 6-9 mm | 10-15 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Predators | Omnivores |
| Regions | North America | Oceania |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Critically Endangered |
Twin-spotted Firefly
A small North American firefly with a bright greenish-yellow flash and distinctive twin light organs visible on the last abdominal segments. Males produce a slow, pulsing glow while in flight.
Did You Know?
This species produces lucibufagins, toxic steroids that make it unpalatable to predators like spiders and birds.
Dinosaur Ant
Considered the most primitive living ant, often called a living fossil. Discovered in 1931 and then lost for 46 years until rediscovered in 1977 in South Australia.
Did You Know?
This ant was lost to science for 46 years after its discovery — rediscovered by pure luck when an entomologist pulled over to sleep at the roadside where they happened to live.