Early Bumblebee vs Hover Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Early Bumblebee | Hover Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Bombus pratorum | Syrphus ribesii |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Apidae | Syrphidae |
| Size | 9-16mm | 10-13 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Fruit Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Europe, Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Early Bumblebee
A small bumblebee with yellow collar, yellow midriff band and an orange tail. One of the first to appear in spring.
Did You Know?
One of the earliest bumblebees to appear each year, sometimes seen as early as February on mild days.
Hover Fly
A bright yellow and black banded hoverfly that is an excellent wasp mimic. It hovers motionless in sunbeams before darting to a new position with extraordinary agility.
Did You Know?
Hoverflies are the only insects besides hummingbirds and hawk-moths that can truly hover in one spot, fly backward, and fly sideways with precision.