Western Corn Rootworm vs West African Firefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Western Corn Rootworm West African Firefly
Scientific Name Diabrotica virgifera Luciola lusitanica
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Chrysomelidae Lampyridae
Size 5-7 mm 8-12 mm
Habitat Farmland Ponds & Lakes
Diet Root Feeders Herbivores
Regions North America, Europe West Africa (Senegal, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ghana)
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Western Corn Rootworm

One of the most economically damaging corn pests in North America. Larvae feed on corn roots, causing plants to lodge and reducing yields.

💡

Did You Know?

This beetle costs U.S. farmers over one billion dollars annually in crop losses and control expenses.

West African Firefly

A small soft-bodied beetle that produces bioluminescent flashes to attract mates. Males fly and flash while females respond from vegetation. The light is produced by a chemical reaction involving luciferin and luciferase.

💡

Did You Know?

Firefly light is the most efficient light source in nature, with nearly 100% of the energy converted to light and almost no heat.