Cylindrical Tachinid vs Australian Hoverfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Cylindrical Tachinid Australian Hoverfly
Scientific Name Cylindromyia brassicaria Simosyrphus grandicornis
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Tachinidae Syrphidae
Size 8-12 mm 8-11 mm
Habitat Heathland Farmland
Diet Parasites Predators
Regions Europe Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Cylindrical Tachinid

A slender, wasp-like parasitic fly with a narrow cylindrical abdomen. Parasitizes shieldbugs by laying eggs directly onto the host. Found in warm, flower-rich habitats.

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Did You Know?

Its wasp-like appearance is a remarkable case of mimicry in a group of true flies.

Australian Hoverfly

A common Australian hoverfly with orange-yellow markings on a dark abdomen. It is an important pollinator and aphid predator in Australian agriculture.

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Did You Know?

It is the most commonly encountered hoverfly species across mainland Australia.