Tinkerbell Fairyfly vs Holly Blue
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Tinkerbell Fairyfly | Holly Blue |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Tinkerbella nana | Celastrina argiolus |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Mymaridae | Lycaenidae |
| Size | 0.25 mm | 26-34 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Central America | Europe, North Africa, Asia, North America |
| Conservation | Data Deficient | Least Concern |
Tinkerbell Fairyfly
One of the smallest insects ever described, named after Peter Pans Tinker Bell. Discovered in Costa Rica in 2013. Measures only 0.25 mm in length.
Did You Know?
Named after the fairy Tinkerbell, this wasp is so tiny it can stand on the tip of a human hair — it was described in 2013 from specimens collected using specialized micro-traps.
Holly Blue
Pale silvery-blue butterfly with small black dots on the underside. Alternates between holly and ivy as host plants between spring and summer broods.
Did You Know?
Population numbers cycle dramatically every few years due to a parasitic wasp that tracks its abundance.