Synchronous Firefly vs Cuban Pygmy Blue Butterfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Synchronous Firefly Cuban Pygmy Blue Butterfly
Scientific Name Photinus carolinus Brephidium exilis thompsoni
Order Coleoptera Lepidoptera
Family Lampyridae Lycaenidae
Size 8-12 mm 12-18 mm wingspan
Habitat Mountains Beaches & Coastal
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions North America Cuba, Caribbean
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Synchronous Firefly

One of the few firefly species in North America that synchronizes its flashing patterns. Thousands flash in unison during mating season in the Great Smoky Mountains.

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Did You Know?

Their synchronized light displays in the Great Smoky Mountains attract thousands of visitors each year through a lottery system.

Cuban Pygmy Blue Butterfly

One of the smallest butterflies in the world, found in Cuba and the Caribbean. Its wingspan barely exceeds 15 mm.

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Did You Know?

It is so tiny that it is often mistaken for a small moth or fly.