Gatekeeper vs North American Hide Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Gatekeeper | North American Hide Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pyronia tithonus | Trox scaber |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Trogidae |
| Size | 34-38 mm wingspan | 5-9 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Carrion Feeders |
| Regions | Western Europe, Southern Europe | North America, Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Gatekeeper
A common warm-brown butterfly often seen basking on hedgerow flowers in high summer. It has distinctive twin white pupils within the eye-spots on its forewings.
Did You Know?
Its alternative name 'Hedge Brown' reflects its strong association with hedgerow habitats.
North American Hide Beetle
A small, oval, grayish-brown beetle with heavily sculptured elytra covered in rows of bumps and encrusted soil. It specializes in consuming dried keratin-rich animal remains. Found in owl pellets, bird nests, and old carcasses.
Did You Know?
Forensic entomologists use the presence of hide beetles to estimate time since death in very old remains.