Common Stiletto Fly vs Lotis Blue Butterfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Stiletto Fly | Lotis Blue Butterfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Thereva nobilitata | Lycaeides argyrognomon lotis |
| Order | Diptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Therevidae | Lycaenidae |
| Size | 8-12 mm | 2-2.5 cm wingspan |
| Habitat | Heathland | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe | United States |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Critically Endangered |
Common Stiletto Fly
A slender, densely hairy fly with a pointed abdomen and silvery-white body hairs. Adults bask on sunlit leaves and bare ground, making short rapid flights when approached.
Did You Know?
Stiletto fly larvae are important biological control agents, feeding on root-eating pest larvae in sandy soils.
Lotis Blue Butterfly
A small blue butterfly historically found in sphagnum bog habitats in coastal Mendocino County, California. It has not been seen since 1983.
Did You Know?
Despite extensive searches, no living individuals have been found in over 40 years.