Dingy Footman Moth vs Tapered Drone Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dingy Footman Moth Tapered Drone Fly
Scientific Name Eilema griseola Eristalis pertinax
Order Lepidoptera Diptera
Family Erebidae Syrphidae
Size 31-37 mm wingspan 12-16 mm
Habitat Wetlands Wetlands
Diet Detritivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, Western Asia Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Dingy Footman Moth

A small pale straw-yellow moth with slightly darker forewing edges. It rests flat-winged unlike many other footman moths.

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Did You Know?

Despite being called 'dingy', fresh specimens are actually a rather attractive pale gold color.

Tapered Drone Fly

A large hoverfly resembling a honeybee but distinguished by its yellow-tipped front tarsi. It is active from early spring to late autumn.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the earliest hoverflies to appear in spring, sometimes flying on warm days in February.