Say's Firefly vs Brown Hairstreak
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Say's Firefly | Brown Hairstreak |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pyractomena angulata | Thecla betulae |
| Order | Coleoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Lampyridae | Lycaenidae |
| Size | 8-14 mm | 36-40 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Wetlands | Hedgerows |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Eastern North America | Europe, temperate Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern (declining in parts of range) |
Say's Firefly
An early-season firefly with amber-orange flashes seen in spring across eastern North America. It is among the first fireflies to appear each year.
Did You Know?
Its larvae are semi-aquatic and can survive temporary flooding of their habitats.
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.