Common Graphium vs Plain-faced Dronefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Common Graphium Plain-faced Dronefly
Scientific Name Graphium leonidas Eristalis arbustorum
Order Lepidoptera Diptera
Family Papilionidae Syrphidae
Size 65-80 mm wingspan 9-11 mm
Habitat Forests Gardens
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions West and Central Africa (Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Senegal, Ivory Coast) Europe, North America, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Common Graphium

A striking swallowtail butterfly with black wings marked with pale blue-green translucent spots. It is a fast and powerful flier often seen in forest clearings. Males gather at mud puddles in large groups.

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Did You Know?

Groups of up to 50 males can be seen drinking together at riverside mud puddles, creating a spectacular display of color.

Plain-faced Dronefly

A small, dark dronefly with a distinctive bare facial stripe. It is one of the most common hoverflies visiting garden flowers in summer.

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Did You Know?

It can be distinguished from other droneflies by the shiny, hairless stripe down the center of its face.