Downlooker Fly vs Narrow-banded Hoverfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Downlooker Fly Narrow-banded Hoverfly
Scientific Name Rhagio tringarius Meliscaeva auricollis
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Rhagionidae Syrphidae
Size 8-12mm 7-10 mm
Habitat Wetlands Underground
Diet Herbivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Downlooker Fly

A slender predatory fly with spotted wings that perches head-downward on vegetation waiting for prey.

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Did You Know?

Always rests facing downward on stems and leaves, earning it the name downlooker or snipe fly.

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.

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Did You Know?

Adults can be seen flying as early as February in mild winters.