Drone Fly vs Small Heath Butterfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Drone Fly | Small Heath Butterfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Eristalis tenax | Coenonympha pamphilus |
| Order | Diptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 14-18 mm | 26-33 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Grasslands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, North America, Oceania | Europe, North Africa, Western Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Drone Fly
A large hoverfly that is an excellent mimic of the honey bee, complete with similar coloring and buzzing flight. Its aquatic larva is known as a rat-tailed maggot due to its long breathing siphon.
Did You Know?
The rat-tailed maggot larva can breathe in heavily polluted water by extending its telescoping tail siphon up to 10 centimeters to reach the surface air.
Small Heath Butterfly
A small, plain orange-brown butterfly that always rests with its wings closed. It is one of the most widespread grassland butterflies in Europe.
Did You Know?
It never opens its wings when at rest, always keeping the underwing eyespot visible as a predator deflection.