Sunbeam Butterfly vs Fiery Skipper

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sunbeam Butterfly Fiery Skipper
Scientific Name Curetis thetis Hylephila phyleus
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Lycaenidae Hesperiidae
Size 34-40 mm wingspan 25-34 mm wingspan
Habitat Forests Grasslands
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions South Asia, Southeast Asia Southern United States, migrating northward in summer
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Sunbeam Butterfly

Dark upper wings contrast with brilliant silvery-white undersides. Fast-flying and sun-loving, often found darting around treetops.

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Did You Know?

Its reflective silver underside flashes in sunlight, earning the genus the name Sunbeam.

Fiery Skipper

A small bright orange skipper with short antennae and a fast darting flight. Males have a prominent black stigma on the forewing.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the most common skippers found in American suburban lawns and is a minor turf grass pest.