Essex Skipper vs Helvetian Ground Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Essex Skipper | Helvetian Ground Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Thymelicus lineola | Oreonebria castanea |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Hesperiidae | Carabidae |
| Size | 26-30 mm wingspan | 8-11 mm |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Mountains |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, western Asia (introduced to North America) | Alps, Pyrenees |
| 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.
Helvetian Ground Beetle
A cold-adapted ground beetle of high-altitude scree and moraines. It is active during short alpine summers near snowmelt areas.
Did You Know?
It can remain active at temperatures just above freezing.