Indian Tortoiseshell vs Fiery Skipper

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Indian Tortoiseshell Fiery Skipper
Scientific Name Aglais caschmirensis Hylephila phyleus
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Nymphalidae Hesperiidae
Size 55-65 mm wingspan 25-34 mm wingspan
Habitat Mountains Grasslands
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions South Asia (India, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, Himalayan region) Southern United States, migrating northward in summer
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Indian Tortoiseshell

A beautiful butterfly with rich orange-brown wings edged with blue spots and irregular dark markings. It is found in the Himalayan highlands and is closely related to the European tortoiseshell butterflies.

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Did You Know?

This butterfly can survive at elevations over 4000 meters in the Himalayas, basking on sun-warmed rocks to thermoregulate.

Fiery Skipper

A small bright orange skipper with short antennae and a fast darting flight. Males have a prominent black stigma on the forewing.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the most common skippers found in American suburban lawns and is a minor turf grass pest.