Hoverfly vs Fiery Skipper
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Hoverfly | Fiery Skipper |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Episyrphus balteatus | Hylephila phyleus |
| Order | Diptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Hesperiidae |
| Size | 7-12 mm | 25-34 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Underground | Grasslands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, Africa | Southern United States, migrating northward in summer |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Hoverfly
Excellent Batesian mimics of wasps and bees. Important pollinators often overlooked. Can hover perfectly stationary in mid-air and even fly backwards.
Did You Know?
Hoverflies are so skilled at hovering that they can maintain their exact position in space even in strong winds, adjusting wing beats up to 300 times per second.
Fiery Skipper
A small bright orange skipper with short antennae and a fast darting flight. Males have a prominent black stigma on the forewing.
Did You Know?
It is one of the most common skippers found in American suburban lawns and is a minor turf grass pest.