Sooty Ringlet vs Desert Large-headed Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sooty Ringlet Desert Large-headed Bee
Scientific Name Erebia pluto Ctenocolletes nigricans
Order Lepidoptera Hymenoptera
Family Nymphalidae Stenotritidae
Size 36-44 mm wingspan 11-15 mm
Habitat Mountains Deserts & Drylands
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Alps Central and Western Australia
Conservation Least Concern Data Deficient

Sooty Ringlet

One of the darkest European butterflies, almost entirely black. It inhabits the highest scree slopes and rock faces in the Alps.

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Did You Know?

Its nearly black wings help absorb solar radiation for warmth in its frigid habitat.

Desert Large-headed Bee

A dark-bodied, heat-tolerant bee found in arid inland Australia. It forages during the hottest parts of the day when most other bees are inactive.

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Did You Know?

It can remain active in ambient temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius that would ground most other bee species.