Western Firefly vs Small Square-Gilled Mayfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Western Firefly | Small Square-Gilled Mayfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Microphotus angustus | Caenis luctuosa |
| Order | Coleoptera | Ephemeroptera |
| Family | Lampyridae | Caenidae |
| Size | 8-12 mm | 3-6 mm |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | North America | Europe |
| 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.
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.
Small Square-Gilled Mayfly
A minute mayfly with distinctive square-shaped gills on its nymphs. Adults swarm in enormous numbers near water at twilight.
Did You Know?
The enlarged second gill plate acts as a protective cover over the remaining delicate gills.