Common Sootywing vs Desert Globe Mallow Bee
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Sootywing | Desert Globe Mallow Bee |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pholisora catullus | Diadasia diminuta |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Hesperiidae | Apidae |
| Size | 22-28 mm wingspan | 8-12 mm |
| Habitat | Gardens | Heathland |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | United States and southern Canada | North America |
| 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.
Desert Globe Mallow Bee
A specialist solitary bee that visits only globe mallow flowers in the American Southwest. It lines its underground nest cells with an oily secretion to waterproof them.
Did You Know?
Its extreme flower loyalty makes it one of the most efficient pollinators of globe mallow plants.