American Xyelid Sawfly vs Spotted-eye Hover Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | American Xyelid Sawfly | Spotted-eye Hover Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Xyela bakeri | Eristalinus taeniops |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Xyelidae | Syrphidae |
| Size | 3-5 mm | 12-16 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Wetlands |
| Diet | Pollen Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Western North America | Throughout Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
American Xyelid Sawfly
A minute primitive sawfly native to western North America with the family's characteristic elongated third antennal segment. Adults appear in early spring.
Did You Know?
Despite being among the most primitive Hymenoptera, xyelid sawflies are highly specialized in their larval diet, feeding exclusively on pine pollen.
Spotted-eye Hover Fly
A large hover fly with distinctively striped compound eyes and a bee-like body. It is an excellent pollinator found throughout Africa.
Did You Know?
Its larvae are rat-tailed maggots that breathe through a telescoping siphon while living in stagnant water.