Fiery Skipper vs Denticulate Soldier Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Fiery Skipper Denticulate Soldier Beetle
Scientific Name Hylephila phyleus Silis percomis
Order Lepidoptera Coleoptera
Family Hesperiidae Cantharidae
Size 25-34 mm wingspan 5-8 mm
Habitat Grasslands Grasslands
Diet Nectar Feeders Pollen Feeders
Regions Southern United States, migrating northward in summer Central North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Fiery Skipper

A small bright orange skipper with short antennae and a fast darting flight. Males have a prominent black stigma on the forewing.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the most common skippers found in American suburban lawns and is a minor turf grass pest.

Denticulate Soldier Beetle

A small, rarely noticed soldier beetle found in grasslands of the midwestern United States. Males have distinctive tooth-like projections on their antennae.

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Did You Know?

The serrated antennae of males are unique among North American soldier beetles and aid in detecting pheromones.