Ringlet vs Common Stiletto Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Ringlet Common Stiletto Fly
Scientific Name Aphantopus hyperantus Thereva nobilitata
Order Lepidoptera Diptera
Family Nymphalidae Therevidae
Size Wingspan 42-48mm 8-12 mm
Habitat Grasslands Heathland
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe, Asia Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Ringlet

A dark chocolate-brown butterfly with small ringed eyespots on the underwings. Flies in shady grasslands.

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Did You Know?

One of the few butterflies that thrives in shade, often flying in cloudy weather when others are grounded.

Common Stiletto Fly

A slender, densely hairy fly with a pointed abdomen and silvery-white body hairs. Adults bask on sunlit leaves and bare ground, making short rapid flights when approached.

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Did You Know?

Stiletto fly larvae are important biological control agents, feeding on root-eating pest larvae in sandy soils.