Synchronous Firefly of India vs Small Copper

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Synchronous Firefly of India Small Copper
Scientific Name Pteroptyx maipo Lycaena phlaeas
Order Coleoptera Lepidoptera
Family Lampyridae Lycaenidae
Size 6-10 mm 26-36 mm wingspan
Habitat Wetlands Heathland
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions South Asia (India, Bangladesh, coastal regions) Europe, Asia, North Africa, North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Synchronous Firefly of India

A small firefly known for its remarkable ability to synchronize its flashing with neighboring individuals. Mangrove trees along tidal rivers can become illuminated by thousands of simultaneously flashing males.

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Did You Know?

Entire trees can appear to blink on and off in unison as hundreds of males synchronize their flashes to attract females.

Small Copper

A vivid little butterfly with burnished copper-orange forewings spotted with black. It is feisty and territorial for its size, frequently chasing other butterflies from its perch.

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Did You Know?

Rare aberrant individuals have blue spots on the hindwing and are prized by collectors.