Western Firefly vs Great Grey Sedge

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Western Firefly Great Grey Sedge
Scientific Name Microphotus angustus Arctopsyche grandis
Order Coleoptera Trichoptera
Family Lampyridae Hydropsychidae
Size 8-12 mm 20-30 mm
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Mountains
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions North America North America
Conservation Data Deficient Least Concern

Western Firefly

A rare western North American firefly with larviform females that glow. Males are winged but produce no light.

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Did You Know?

It is one of very few firefly species found west of the Rocky Mountains, where most people believe fireflies do not exist.

Great Grey Sedge

One of the largest net-spinning caddisflies in North America with a wingspan over 40 mm. Larvae build robust catch-nets in powerful mountain torrents.

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Did You Know?

Larvae are partially predatory, consuming small invertebrates trapped in their nets alongside organic debris.