Sara Orangetip vs Progressive Bee Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sara Orangetip Progressive Bee Fly
Scientific Name Anthocharis sara Exoprosopa fasciata
Order Lepidoptera Diptera
Family Pieridae Bombyliidae
Size 30-40 mm wingspan 10-16 mm
Habitat Mountains Deserts & Drylands
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Western North America Africa, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Sara Orangetip

Small white butterfly with vivid orange forewing tips and mottled greenish hindwing undersides. Flies early in spring in western North America.

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Did You Know?

Adults have a single short flight period in spring and are not seen for the rest of the year.

Progressive Bee Fly

A large bee fly with boldly banded wings in dark brown and clear patterns. It is a fast and agile flyer, frequently hovering at flowers in arid landscapes.

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Did You Know?

Its boldly patterned wings may serve as camouflage when resting on dappled ground in arid habitats.