American Bumble Bee vs Skipper Butterfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | American Bumble Bee | Skipper Butterfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Bombus pensylvanicus | Epargyreus clarus |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Apidae | Hesperiidae |
| Size | 15-25 mm | 44-67 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Eastern and central United States, now declining across its range | North America |
| Conservation | Vulnerable | Least Concern |
American Bumble Bee
A large bumble bee with a yellow thorax, black band between the wings, and a mostly yellow abdomen. Once one of the most common bumble bees in North America, it has experienced significant population declines.
Did You Know?
Its populations have declined by nearly 90 percent in some regions, prompting conservation concern across its entire range.
Skipper Butterfly
A stout-bodied butterfly with hooked antennae, brown wings with golden spots on the forewing, and a distinctive silver patch on the hindwing underside. It has a rapid, darting flight.
Did You Know?
The caterpillar builds a silk-lined leaf shelter and can eject its droppings up to 150 centimeters away to avoid attracting parasitic wasps.