Small Tortoiseshell vs Bald-faced Hornet
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Small Tortoiseshell | Bald-faced Hornet |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Aglais urticae | Dolichovespula maculata |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Vespidae |
| Size | Wingspan 45-55mm | 15-20 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Fruit Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Small Tortoiseshell
A familiar orange butterfly with black and yellow markings and a row of blue crescents along the wing margins. It hibernates in buildings over winter.
Did You Know?
Adults hibernate in attics and sheds and can survive freezing temperatures by producing glycerol as natural antifreeze.
Bald-faced Hornet
A large black and white social wasp that builds impressive football-sized paper nests in trees and on buildings. Despite its name, it is not a true hornet but a yellowjacket relative.
Did You Know?
Bald-faced hornets can squirt venom from their stinger into the eyes of nest intruders, causing temporary blindness and intense pain.