Dusky-winged Fritillary vs Banded Blackfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dusky-winged Fritillary Banded Blackfly
Scientific Name Boloria natazhati Simulium ornatum
Order Lepidoptera Diptera
Family Nymphalidae Simuliidae
Size 28-34 mm wingspan 2-4 mm
Habitat Tundra & Arctic Rivers & Streams
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Alaska, Yukon, northern British Columbia Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Dusky-winged Fritillary

A small fritillary butterfly with dark brown wings bearing orange spots and complex underside markings. It flies in remote mountain passes and high tundra. The species is named after Mount Natazhat in Alaska.

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Did You Know?

This butterfly is so restricted to high-altitude Arctic habitats that each mountain population may be genetically distinct.

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.