Batman Hoverfly vs Mountain Prosimulium

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Batman Hoverfly Mountain Prosimulium
Scientific Name Myathropa florea Prosimulium mixtum
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Syrphidae Simuliidae
Size 12-15 mm 2-4 mm
Habitat Underground Mountains
Diet Sap Feeders Omnivores
Regions Europe, Western Asia North America
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.

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Did You Know?

The dark bat-shaped mark on its thorax is so distinctive that it can be identified at a glance from above.

Mountain Prosimulium

An early-season black fly of cold mountain streams in North America. Larvae develop in small headwater streams during late winter and early spring.

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Did You Know?

Adults emerge so early in spring that they are often the first biting flies encountered by hikers each year.