Common Sootywing vs Clipper Butterfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Sootywing | Clipper Butterfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pholisora catullus | Parthenos sylvia |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Hesperiidae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 22-28 mm wingspan | 90-110 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Gardens | Mountains |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Fruit Feeders |
| Regions | United States and southern Canada | Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Myanmar, Vietnam) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Common Sootywing
A very small sooty-black skipper with scattered tiny white spots on the forewings. It is a common but easily overlooked butterfly of disturbed habitats and gardens.
Did You Know?
It thrives in weedy urban areas that most butterflies avoid, making it a true butterfly of the city.
Clipper Butterfly
A powerful gliding butterfly with broad wings marked in pale blue-green, brown, and white. It has a distinctive sailing flight style, gliding on stiffly held wings between trees.
Did You Know?
It exists in multiple color forms across its range, with wing colors varying from bluish-green to honey-brown in different regions.