Firefly (Lampyrid Beetle)

Scientific Name: Family Lampyridae

Order & Family: Order: Coleoptera; Family: Lampyridae

Size: 5 to 25 mm (0.2 to 1 inch)

Firefly (Lampyrid Beetle)

Natural Habitat

Damp environments, including woodlands, meadows, and gardens; often found near standing water or tall grass.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae are predatory and feed on snails, slugs, and worms. Adults may feed on pollen, nectar, or other insects, while some do not eat at all.

Behavior Patterns

Night-active insects known for bioluminescence used to attract mates or deter predators. Larvae, known as glowworms, also emit light.

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless to humans. They are beneficial to the ecosystem as they help control populations of garden pests like slugs and snails.

Identified on: 5/1/2026