Batman Hoverfly vs Arctic Hover Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Batman Hoverfly | Arctic Hover Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Myathropa florea | Syrphus torvus |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Syrphidae |
| Size | 12-15 mm | 9-13 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Tundra & Arctic |
| Diet | Sap Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, Western Asia | Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia, subarctic Canada, Alaska |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Batman Hoverfly
A wasp-mimicking hoverfly with a distinctive bat-shaped marking on its thorax, earning it the nickname 'batman hoverfly.' Larvae develop in water-filled tree holes as aquatic filter feeders.
Did You Know?
The dark bat-shaped mark on its thorax is so distinctive that it can be identified at a glance from above.
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.