Belkin's Dune Tabanid Fly vs Hornet Hoverfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Belkin's Dune Tabanid Fly | Hornet Hoverfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Brennania belkini | Volucella zonaria |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Tabanidae | Syrphidae |
| Size | 1-1.5 cm | 18-22 mm |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Predators | Scavengers |
| Regions | United States | Europe, North Africa |
| Conservation | Endangered | Least Concern |
Belkin's Dune Tabanid Fly
A rare horse fly known only from the El Segundo sand dunes in Los Angeles County. Larvae develop in the sand and adults are seldom encountered.
Did You Know?
Most of the El Segundo dunes were destroyed to build Los Angeles International Airport.
Hornet Hoverfly
Europe's largest hoverfly and a convincing hornet mimic with bold yellow-and-brown banding. Its larvae develop as scavengers in the nests of social wasps and hornets.
Did You Know?
Its larvae live inside hornet nests, feeding on dead wasps and nest debris while being ignored by the colony.