Black Blow Fly vs Marmalade Hoverfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Black Blow Fly | Marmalade Hoverfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Phormia regina | Episyrphus balteatus balteatus |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Calliphoridae | Syrphidae |
| Size | 9-13 mm | 8-12mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Carrion Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | North America, Europe | Europe, Asia, Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Black Blow Fly
A dark metallic blow fly that is among the first insects to colonize a corpse. It is a key species in forensic entomology across North America.
Did You Know?
It can detect a dead body from over a mile away using chemoreceptors on its antennae.
Marmalade Hoverfly
A common hoverfly with distinctive double black bands on an orange abdomen. One of the most effective migrant pollinators.
Did You Know?
Migrates in billions from continental Europe to Britain each spring and its larvae eat astronomical numbers of aphids.