Glanville Fritillary vs Common Sootywing
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Glanville Fritillary | Common Sootywing |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Melitaea cinxia | Pholisora catullus |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Hesperiidae |
| Size | 33-40 mm wingspan | 22-28 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Gardens |
| Diet | Herbivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, temperate Asia | United States and southern Canada |
| Conservation | Least Concern (rare in Britain) | Least Concern |
Glanville Fritillary
An orange and black chequered butterfly confined in Britain to the Isle of Wight's coastal cliffs. It was named after Lady Eleanor Glanville, an eccentric 17th-century collector.
Did You Know?
Lady Glanville's relatives tried to have her will annulled, claiming only a lunatic would collect butterflies.
Common Sootywing
A very small sooty-black skipper with scattered tiny white spots on the forewings. It is a common but easily overlooked butterfly of disturbed habitats and gardens.
Did You Know?
It thrives in weedy urban areas that most butterflies avoid, making it a true butterfly of the city.