Western Firefly vs Oberthur's Grizzled Skipper

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Western Firefly Oberthur's Grizzled Skipper
Scientific Name Microphotus angustus Pyrgus armoricanus
Order Coleoptera Lepidoptera
Family Lampyridae Hesperiidae
Size 8-12 mm 24-28 mm wingspan
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Grasslands
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions North America Southern and central Europe, North Africa
Conservation Data Deficient Least Concern

Western Firefly

A rare western North American firefly with larviform females that glow. Males are winged but produce no light.

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Did You Know?

It is one of very few firefly species found west of the Rocky Mountains, where most people believe fireflies do not exist.

Oberthur's Grizzled Skipper

A small greyish-brown skipper with white spots, very similar to related species but with distinct underside markings. It prefers warmer, drier habitats than most other grizzled skippers.

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Did You Know?

It can produce two or three generations per year in warm Mediterranean climates but only one in the north.