Essex Skipper vs Forest Queen Butterfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Essex Skipper | Forest Queen Butterfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Thymelicus lineola | Euxanthe wakefieldi |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Hesperiidae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 26-30 mm wingspan | 75-90 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Forests |
| Diet | Omnivores | Sap Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, western Asia (introduced to North America) | East Africa (Kenya coast, Tanzania coast) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Essex Skipper
A small orange-brown skipper so similar to the small skipper that it was not recognised as a separate British species until 1889. The undersides of its antenna tips are black, not orange.
Did You Know?
It was overlooked in Britain for over a century because it was confused with the nearly identical small skipper.
Forest Queen Butterfly
A large, striking butterfly with dark brown wings marked by broad bands of apple green. It is a powerful flier that glides through the canopy of East African coastal forests.
Did You Know?
Males are highly territorial and patrol the same canopy flight paths daily, chasing away intruders with impressive aerial agility.