Neotropical Firefly vs Red Helen

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Neotropical Firefly Red Helen
Scientific Name Aspisoma lineatum Papilio helenus
Order Coleoptera Lepidoptera
Family Lampyridae Papilionidae
Size 10-18 mm 110-140 mm wingspan
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Predators Omnivores
Regions Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos)
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Neotropical Firefly

A soft-bodied beetle producing a continuous greenish glow from its abdominal lantern organs. It is common in South American forests and agricultural areas.

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Did You Know?

Unlike many fireflies that flash in patterns, this species emits a steady continuous glow resembling a floating ember.

Red Helen

A large, elegant swallowtail butterfly with black wings marked by large creamy-white patches on the hindwings and red crescents along the hindwing margin. It has a slow, sailing flight.

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Did You Know?

The caterpillar has an osmeterium, a bright orange forked organ behind the head that releases a foul smell to deter predators.