Miami Blue vs Central American Locust

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Miami Blue Central American Locust
Scientific Name Cyclargus thomasi bethunebakeri Schistocerca piceifrons
Order Lepidoptera Orthoptera
Family Lycaenidae Acrididae
Size 2-2.5 cm wingspan 45-65 mm
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Farmland
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions United States Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Belize
Conservation Critically Endangered Least Concern

Miami Blue

A small blue butterfly once common throughout coastal South Florida. It is now restricted to a few islands in the Florida Keys.

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Did You Know?

Hurricane Andrew in 1992 devastated much of its remaining habitat, accelerating its decline.

Central American Locust

A significant agricultural pest locust in Mexico and Central America. It periodically swarms and can devastate corn, bean, and other staple crops.

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Did You Know?

The ancient Maya recorded plagues of this locust, and it remains a recurring agricultural threat in the Yucatan Peninsula today.