Common Blue Butterfly vs Yellow Swarming Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Blue Butterfly | Yellow Swarming Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Polyommatus icarus | Thaumatomyia notata |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Lycaenidae | Chloropidae |
| Size | 28-36 mm wingspan | 2-2.5 mm |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Grasslands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, North Africa, Asia | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Common Blue Butterfly
A small butterfly where males are vivid violet-blue and females are brown with orange spots. It is the most widespread blue butterfly in Europe.
Did You Know?
Its caterpillars secrete a sweet honeydew that attracts ants, which in turn protect them from predators.
Yellow Swarming Fly
A tiny yellow fly famous for forming enormous hibernation aggregations in buildings, sometimes numbering millions. Larvae are predatory on root aphids in grassland.
Did You Know?
Can form hibernation clusters of millions in attic spaces, with individual aggregations weighing several kilograms.