American Bumble Bee vs Tawny-edged Skipper
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | American Bumble Bee | Tawny-edged Skipper |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Bombus pensylvanicus | Polites themistocles |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Apidae | Hesperiidae |
| Size | 15-25 mm | 20-27 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Farmland | Grasslands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Eastern and central United States, now declining across its range | Eastern and Central 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.
Tawny-edged Skipper
A small brown skipper with a warm orange-tawny leading edge on the forewing. It is one of the most common grass skippers in eastern North America but is easily overlooked.
Did You Know?
It is named after the ancient Athenian general Themistocles, following a tradition of naming skippers after classical figures.