Elm Seed Bug vs White-banded Hoverfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Elm Seed Bug White-banded Hoverfly
Scientific Name Arocatus melanocephalus Leucozona lucorum
Order Hemiptera Diptera
Family Lygaeidae Syrphidae
Size 6-7 mm 10-14 mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Seed Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe (native), Northwestern North America (invasive) Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Elm Seed Bug

A small seed bug native to southern Europe that has become an invasive nuisance pest in the northwestern United States. It aggregates in enormous numbers on and inside buildings in summer and fall.

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Did You Know?

Thousands can invade a single home seeking shelter, producing a foul odor when disturbed or crushed.

White-banded Hoverfly

A dark hoverfly with a broad white band across the abdomen. It is associated with shaded habitats and visits white umbelliferous flowers.

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Did You Know?

Its larvae are predators of aphids found on low-growing vegetation in shaded woodland.