Karner Blue vs Western Firefly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Karner Blue | Western Firefly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Plebejus samuelis | Microphotus angustus |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Lycaenidae | Lampyridae |
| Size | 22-28 mm wingspan | 8-12 mm |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Great Lakes and northeastern United States | North America |
| Conservation | Endangered | Data Deficient |
Karner Blue
A tiny bright blue butterfly with orange crescents on the hindwing underside that depends entirely on wild lupine. It is a federally endangered species in the United States.
Did You Know?
It was first described by novelist Vladimir Nabokov, who was also a serious lepidopterist at Harvard's Museum of Comparative Zoology.
Western Firefly
A rare western North American firefly with larviform females that glow. Males are winged but produce no light.
Did You Know?
It is one of very few firefly species found west of the Rocky Mountains, where most people believe fireflies do not exist.