Cuban Pygmy Blue Butterfly vs Red-banded Hairstreak

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Cuban Pygmy Blue Butterfly Red-banded Hairstreak
Scientific Name Brephidium exilis thompsoni Calycopis cecrops
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Lycaenidae Lycaenidae
Size 12-18 mm wingspan 22-30 mm wingspan
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Woodlands
Diet Omnivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Cuba, Caribbean North America
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Cuban Pygmy Blue Butterfly

One of the smallest butterflies in the world, found in Cuba and the Caribbean. Its wingspan barely exceeds 15 mm.

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Did You Know?

It is so tiny that it is often mistaken for a small moth or fly.

Red-banded Hairstreak

Small dark butterfly with a prominent red-orange postmedian band on the underside. Hindwings bear false head pattern with tails.

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Did You Know?

Its larvae are detritivores, uniquely feeding on decomposing fallen leaves rather than live foliage.