Plain-faced Dronefly vs Fiery Skipper

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Plain-faced Dronefly Fiery Skipper
Scientific Name Eristalis arbustorum Hylephila phyleus
Order Diptera Lepidoptera
Family Syrphidae Hesperiidae
Size 9-11 mm 25-34 mm wingspan
Habitat Gardens Grasslands
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, North America, Asia Southern United States, migrating northward in summer
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Plain-faced Dronefly

A small, dark dronefly with a distinctive bare facial stripe. It is one of the most common hoverflies visiting garden flowers in summer.

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Did You Know?

It can be distinguished from other droneflies by the shiny, hairless stripe down the center of its face.

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.