European Spider Wasp vs Australian Hoverfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute European Spider Wasp Australian Hoverfly
Scientific Name Episyron albonotatum Simosyrphus grandicornis
Order Hymenoptera Diptera
Family Pompilidae Syrphidae
Size 8-14 mm 8-11 mm
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Farmland
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

European Spider Wasp

A medium-sized black spider wasp with white markings that hunts orb-weaving spiders across Europe. It nests in sandy soil near the edges of paths.

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Did You Know?

It carries captured spiders by flying short distances while holding them underneath its body.

Australian Hoverfly

A common Australian hoverfly with orange-yellow markings on a dark abdomen. It is an important pollinator and aphid predator in Australian agriculture.

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Did You Know?

It is the most commonly encountered hoverfly species across mainland Australia.