Flat Silphid Beetle vs Skipper Butterfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Flat Silphid Beetle | Skipper Butterfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Silpha tristis | Epargyreus clarus |
| Order | Coleoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Silphidae | Hesperiidae |
| Size | 10-15 mm | 44-67 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Carrion Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | North America | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Flat Silphid Beetle
A flattened, all-black silphid beetle with three raised ridges on each wing case. It feeds on snails and caterpillars rather than carrion.
Did You Know?
Unlike most silphids, it has shifted entirely to predation and is rarely found on carrion at all.
Skipper Butterfly
A stout-bodied butterfly with hooked antennae, brown wings with golden spots on the forewing, and a distinctive silver patch on the hindwing underside. It has a rapid, darting flight.
Did You Know?
The caterpillar builds a silk-lined leaf shelter and can eject its droppings up to 150 centimeters away to avoid attracting parasitic wasps.