Karner Blue vs Narrow-winged Bee Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Karner Blue | Narrow-winged Bee Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Plebejus samuelis | Systoechus vulgaris |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Lycaenidae | Bombyliidae |
| Size | 22-28 mm wingspan | 7-10 mm |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Omnivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Great Lakes and northeastern United States | Europe, Asia, North Africa |
| Conservation | Endangered | Least Concern |
Karner Blue
A tiny bright blue butterfly with orange crescents on the hindwing underside that depends entirely on wild lupine. It is a federally endangered species in the United States.
Did You Know?
It was first described by novelist Vladimir Nabokov, who was also a serious lepidopterist at Harvard's Museum of Comparative Zoology.
Narrow-winged Bee Fly
A small, hairy bee fly with a rounded body and a short proboscis compared to Bombylius species. It hovers at flowers in arid habitats, frequently visiting low-growing composites.
Did You Know?
Its larvae are important natural enemies of grasshoppers, entering and consuming their egg pods in the soil.