Overlooked Cave Beetle vs Provence Short-tailed Blue

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Overlooked Cave Beetle Provence Short-tailed Blue
Scientific Name Pseudanophthalmus praetermissus Cupido alcetas
Order Coleoptera Lepidoptera
Family Carabidae Lycaenidae
Size 4-5 mm 22-28 mm wingspan
Habitat Caves Grasslands
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions United States Central and southern Europe
Conservation Endangered Least Concern

Overlooked Cave Beetle

A rare troglobitic beetle that was long confused with related species before being formally described. It is known from very few cave localities.

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Did You Know?

Its common name reflects that it was overlooked by scientists for decades.

Provence Short-tailed Blue

One of Europe's smallest butterflies with violet-blue males and dark brown females. It lacks the tail projection of its close relative the short-tailed blue.

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Did You Know?

Males gather in large puddle clubs on damp ground to drink mineral-rich water.