Arctic Hover Fly vs Yellow Dance Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Arctic Hover Fly | Yellow Dance Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Syrphus torvus | Empis stercorea |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Empididae |
| Size | 9-13 mm | 6-8 mm |
| Habitat | Tundra & Arctic | Hedgerows |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia, subarctic Canada, Alaska | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Arctic Hover Fly
A medium-sized hover fly with bold yellow and black banding that mimics a wasp. It is a skilled hoverer that can remain stationary in midair. Larvae are voracious predators of aphids on subarctic plants.
Did You Know?
This hover fly is an important pollinator in subarctic regions where honeybees are absent, visiting many northern wildflowers.
Yellow Dance Fly
A medium-sized dance fly with a yellowish body commonly found on spring flowers. Males present prey items as mating gifts. An important pollinator of spring flowers.
Did You Know?
Important early-season pollinators that visit spring flowers while also hunting small insects on them.