Comb-horned Crane Fly vs Hornet Hoverfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Comb-horned Crane Fly | Hornet Hoverfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ctenophora ornata | Volucella zonaria |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Tipulidae | Syrphidae |
| Size | 15-25 mm body length | 18-22 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Wood Feeders | Scavengers |
| Regions | Europe | Europe, North Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Comb-horned Crane Fly
A striking wasp-mimicking crane fly with yellow and black abdominal bands. Males have elaborate comb-like antennae used to detect female pheromones.
Did You Know?
Its presence indicates ancient woodland because larvae require large-diameter decaying logs.
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.