Pennsylvania Firefly vs Queen of Spain Fritillary
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Pennsylvania Firefly | Queen of Spain Fritillary |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Photuris pennsylvanica | Issoria lathonia |
| Order | Coleoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Lampyridae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 10-15 mm | 38-50 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Predators | Omnivores |
| Regions | Eastern North America from Canada to Georgia | Europe, Africa, temperate Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Pennsylvania Firefly
A common firefly of the eastern United States that produces a green-yellow bioluminescent flash. Adults are soft-bodied with a dark pronotum edged in pink.
Did You Know?
Females mimic the flash patterns of other firefly species to lure males as prey, earning them the name femme fatale fireflies.
Queen of Spain Fritillary
A powerful-flying fritillary with large, brilliant silver spots covering the underside of its hindwings. It is a restless migrant that can appear far outside its usual range.
Did You Know?
Its massive silver underwing spots are thought to startle predators by flashing in flight like mirrors.