Boreal Bumblebee vs Narrow-banded Hoverfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Boreal Bumblebee | Narrow-banded Hoverfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Bombus borealis | Meliscaeva auricollis |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Apidae | Syrphidae |
| Size | 12-17 mm | 7-10 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Underground |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Northern Canada, Alaska, boreal regions of the northern United States | Europe, Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Boreal Bumblebee
A medium-sized bumblebee with yellow bands on the thorax and a white-tipped abdomen. It nests underground in abandoned rodent burrows. Workers are efficient foragers in the cool northern climate.
Did You Know?
This bumblebee has an unusually long tongue for its body size, allowing it to access nectar from deep tubular flowers that other bees cannot reach.
Narrow-banded Hoverfly
A small hoverfly with narrow yellow crescent markings on a dark abdomen. It is among the first hoverflies to appear in spring.
Did You Know?
Adults can be seen flying as early as February in mild winters.