Shepherd's Fritillary vs Common Thick-headed Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Shepherd's Fritillary | Common Thick-headed Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Boloria pales | Sicus ferrugineus |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Conopidae |
| Size | 30-36 mm wingspan | 8-12 mm |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Underground |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Alps, Pyrenees, Balkans | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Shepherd's Fritillary
A variable fritillary butterfly of high alpine pastures. Its wing pattern varies greatly between populations across different mountain ranges.
Did You Know?
It is named after the mountain shepherds who share its high-altitude habitat.
Common Thick-headed Fly
A distinctive orange-brown fly with a disproportionately large, inflated head and a curved abdomen. It perches conspicuously on flowers waiting to intercept passing bumblebees.
Did You Know?
The parasitized bumblebee eventually dies and buries itself in the ground, where the fly larva pupates inside the bee.