Alpine Blue vs Spanish Fly Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Alpine Blue Spanish Fly Beetle
Scientific Name Albulina orbitulus Berberomeloe majalis
Order Lepidoptera Coleoptera
Family Lycaenidae Meloidae
Size 24-30 mm wingspan 30-70mm
Habitat Grasslands Grasslands
Diet Nectar Feeders Herbivores
Regions Alps, Scandinavia Europe, Africa
Conservation Least Concern Vulnerable

Alpine Blue

A small, silvery-blue butterfly found only in high alpine grasslands. Males have pale blue uppersides while females are brownish.

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Did You Know?

It is restricted to a narrow altitudinal band and rarely descends below 1800 meters.

Spanish Fly Beetle

A huge wingless blister beetle with a massively swollen red and black banded abdomen. The largest European meloid.

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Did You Know?

One of the largest beetle species in Europe with a body so heavy it resembles a fat caterpillar more than a beetle.