Western Fishfly vs Japanese Genji Firefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Western Fishfly Japanese Genji Firefly
Scientific Name Neohermes filicornis Luciola cruciata
Order Megaloptera Coleoptera
Family Corydalidae Lampyridae
Size 40-55 mm wingspan 12-18 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Predators Omnivores
Regions Western North America Japan
Conservation Least Concern Vulnerable

Western Fishfly

A western North American fishfly with feathery antennae and brownish wings. Adults are attracted to lights near streams where their larvae develop.

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Did You Know?

Fishflies are distinguished from dobsonflies by their feathery antennae and lack of massive mandibles in males.

Japanese Genji Firefly

An aquatic-larval firefly revered in Japanese culture, found near clean streams. It is one of the few fireflies whose larvae develop entirely in freshwater.

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Did You Know?

Annual firefly-viewing festivals called hotarugari have been held in Japan for over a thousand years in honor of this species.