High Brown Fritillary vs Golden-tailed Hoverfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute High Brown Fritillary Golden-tailed Hoverfly
Scientific Name Fabriciana adippe Chrysotoxum cautum
Order Lepidoptera Diptera
Family Nymphalidae Syrphidae
Size 55-65 mm wingspan 10-14 mm
Habitat Grasslands Heathland
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Western Europe, Central Europe, Southern Europe Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

High Brown Fritillary

A large, fast-flying fritillary with rich tawny-orange wings and a complex pattern of silver spots beneath. It is one of Europe's most rapidly declining butterflies.

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Did You Know?

In Britain it is the country's most endangered butterfly, having lost over 80% of its colonies.

Golden-tailed Hoverfly

A wasp-mimicking hoverfly with bold yellow and black bands and long antennae. It flies with a distinctive slow, wasp-like flight pattern.

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Did You Know?

Its unusually long antennae enhance its wasp mimicry, fooling both predators and humans.