Banded Blackfly vs Nettle-tree Butterfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Banded Blackfly Nettle-tree Butterfly
Scientific Name Simulium ornatum Libythea celtis
Order Diptera Lepidoptera
Family Simuliidae Nymphalidae
Size 2-4 mm Wingspan 40-50mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe Europe, Asia, Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Banded Blackfly

A widespread European black fly species complex found in diverse stream types. Larvae filter-feed from silken pads attached to trailing vegetation and stones.

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Did You Know?

Recent DNA studies revealed that what was considered one species is actually a complex of several cryptic species.

Nettle-tree Butterfly

A medium butterfly with angular wings and an extremely long snout formed by elongated palps. Its wings are dark brown with orange patches.

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Did You Know?

Its elongated palps give it the longest snout of any European butterfly making it instantly recognizable.