Greenland Copper vs Hover Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Greenland Copper | Hover Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lycaena phlaeas polaris | Syrphus ribesii |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Lycaenidae | Syrphidae |
| Size | 22-28 mm wingspan | 10-13 mm |
| Habitat | Tundra & Arctic | Underground |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Greenland, Iceland, Arctic Scandinavia | Europe, Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Greenland Copper
The Arctic subspecies of the small copper butterfly, smaller and darker than its temperate counterparts. The forewings are bright copper-orange with dark spots. It is one of few butterflies found in southern Greenland.
Did You Know?
The Greenland population is believed to have survived the last Ice Age in a coastal refugium, making it a true glacial relict.
Hover Fly
A bright yellow and black banded hoverfly that is an excellent wasp mimic. It hovers motionless in sunbeams before darting to a new position with extraordinary agility.
Did You Know?
Hoverflies are the only insects besides hummingbirds and hawk-moths that can truly hover in one spot, fly backward, and fly sideways with precision.