Yellow Owlfly vs Bethany Beach Firefly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Yellow Owlfly | Bethany Beach Firefly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Libelloides longicornis | Photuris bethaniensis |
| Order | Neuroptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Ascalaphidae | Lampyridae |
| Size | 20-25 mm body, 45-55 mm wingspan | 10-14 mm |
| Habitat | Meadows | Wetlands |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Central and Southern Europe | Eastern United States |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Vulnerable |
Yellow Owlfly
A beautiful owlfly with long clubbed antennae and bright yellow-and-black wings. It perches on grass stems with wings spread like a butterfly.
Did You Know?
Adults can be seen sunbathing on grass stems with wings fully spread in the early morning.
Bethany Beach Firefly
A predatory firefly known from a narrow range along the mid-Atlantic coast. Females mimic the flash patterns of other firefly species to lure and eat the males.
Did You Know?
By consuming other fireflies, females acquire defensive chemicals called lucibufagins that protect them from predators.