Mountain Hover Fly vs Silver-washed Fritillary
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Mountain Hover Fly | Silver-washed Fritillary |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Arctophila superbiens | Argynnis paphia |
| Order | Diptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 10-14 mm body length | 54-70 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Meadows | Woodlands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Northern Europe, Alps, Siberia | Europe, Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Mountain Hover Fly
A furry, bumblebee-mimicking hover fly of alpine meadows. Its dense body hair helps it retain heat in cold mountain environments.
Did You Know?
Its convincing bumblebee mimicry deters predators despite being completely harmless.
Silver-washed Fritillary
A large, fast-flying butterfly with bright orange upperwings marked with black spots and streaks. The hindwing underside has distinctive silvery-green washed streaks.
Did You Know?
Males perform a spectacular aerial courtship display, flying loops underneath the female while releasing pheromones from specialized wing scales.