Queen of Spain Fritillary vs Northern Black Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Queen of Spain Fritillary Northern Black Fly
Scientific Name Issoria lathonia Simulium venustum
Order Lepidoptera Diptera
Family Nymphalidae Simuliidae
Size 38-50 mm wingspan 2-4 mm
Habitat Farmland Forests
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Europe, Africa, temperate Asia North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Queen of Spain Fritillary

A powerful-flying fritillary with large, brilliant silver spots covering the underside of its hindwings. It is a restless migrant that can appear far outside its usual range.

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Did You Know?

Its massive silver underwing spots are thought to startle predators by flashing in flight like mirrors.

Northern Black Fly

A common biting black fly of northern forests and boreal streams. Larvae form dense colonies on submerged rocks in cold flowing water.

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Did You Know?

Females can detect carbon dioxide exhaled by hosts from over 20 meters away.