Mediterranean Firefly vs Brown Hairstreak
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Mediterranean Firefly | Brown Hairstreak |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Luciola italica | Thecla betulae |
| Order | Coleoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Lampyridae | Lycaenidae |
| Size | 7-10 mm | 36-40 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Heathland | Hedgerows |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe | Europe, temperate Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern (declining in parts of range) |
Mediterranean Firefly
A common Southern European firefly that flies through warm summer nights producing a continuous greenish glow. It is widespread in Italy and the Mediterranean basin.
Did You Know?
Italian poets and painters have depicted this firefly for centuries, and it remains a beloved symbol of warm summer nights in the Mediterranean.
Brown Hairstreak
A secretive butterfly with rich brown wings and an orange flash on the female's forewings. Adults spend most of their time in tree canopies, rarely descending to ground level.
Did You Know?
Eggs are laid singly on blackthorn and are easier to find in winter than the elusive adults are in summer.