American Hoverfly vs Delhi Sands Flower-loving Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute American Hoverfly Delhi Sands Flower-loving Fly
Scientific Name Eupeodes americanus Rhaphiomidas terminatus abdominalis
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Syrphidae Mydidae
Size 8-11 mm 2.5-3.5 cm
Habitat Farmland Beaches & Coastal
Diet Predators Herbivores
Regions North America United States
Conservation Least Concern Endangered

American Hoverfly

A widespread North American hoverfly with yellow and black markings. Larvae are voracious aphid predators in crop fields.

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Did You Know?

A single larva can consume several hundred aphids before pupating.

Delhi Sands Flower-loving Fly

A large flower fly endemic to the Delhi Sands area of San Bernardino County, California. It was the first fly to be listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.

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Did You Know?

Listing this fly in 1993 caused controversy when it delayed construction of a hospital in its habitat.