Transparent Burnet Moth vs Common Sootywing
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Transparent Burnet Moth | Common Sootywing |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Methona confusa | Pholisora catullus |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Hesperiidae |
| Size | 55-65 mm wingspan | 22-28 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Forests | Gardens |
| Diet | Predators | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | South America (Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia) | United States and southern Canada |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Transparent Burnet Moth
A delicate butterfly with almost entirely transparent wings bordered by dark brown and orange margins. It is part of a mimicry complex involving several toxic species. Its slow, floating flight and transparency make it difficult for predators to track.
Did You Know?
Its transparent wings make it extremely difficult for birds to pursue in flight because predators lose visual track of the nearly invisible insect against complex backgrounds.
Common Sootywing
A very small sooty-black skipper with scattered tiny white spots on the forewings. It is a common but easily overlooked butterfly of disturbed habitats and gardens.
Did You Know?
It thrives in weedy urban areas that most butterflies avoid, making it a true butterfly of the city.