Grizzled Skipper vs Sunflower Treehopper

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Grizzled Skipper Sunflower Treehopper
Scientific Name Pyrgus malvae Heliria cristata
Order Lepidoptera Hemiptera
Family Hesperiidae Membracidae
Size 23-29 mm wingspan 5-8 mm
Habitat Grasslands Grasslands
Diet Omnivores Sap Feeders
Regions Europe, temperate Asia North America
Conservation Least Concern (declining in northern range) Least Concern

Grizzled Skipper

A tiny butterfly with dark brown wings chequered with white spots, resembling a small moth. It basks with wings spread flat in sheltered spots on warm spring days.

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Did You Know?

Its caterpillar lives inside a tiny tent made by folding and silk-binding the edge of a leaf.

Sunflower Treehopper

A small brown treehopper with a tall dorsal crest on its pronotum that gives it a distinctive high-backed silhouette. It is commonly found on sunflowers and other composites.

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Did You Know?

Its high pronotal crest may serve as a thermoregulatory surface, helping to dissipate heat while the insect feeds in exposed sunny locations.