Fiddler Beetle vs Common Compost Hoverfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Fiddler Beetle Common Compost Hoverfly
Scientific Name Eupoecila australasiae Syritta pipiens
Order Coleoptera Diptera
Family Scarabaeidae Syrphidae
Size 15-20 mm 7-9 mm
Habitat Gardens Gardens
Diet Wood Feeders Scavengers
Regions Australia Worldwide
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Fiddler Beetle

A distinctive scarab beetle with green and yellow violin-shaped markings on its back. It is commonly found in gardens across eastern Australia.

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Did You Know?

The fiddle-shaped pattern on its back gives this beetle its common name.

Common Compost Hoverfly

A tiny, slender hoverfly with distinctively swollen hind femora and a darting flight pattern. It breeds in compost heaps and decaying organic matter.

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Did You Know?

Males hover in sunbeams and dart sideways to intercept passing females with lightning-fast aerial maneuvers.