Golden-tailed Hoverfly vs Gatekeeper
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Golden-tailed Hoverfly | Gatekeeper |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chrysotoxum cautum | Pyronia tithonus |
| Order | Diptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 10-14 mm | 34-38 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Heathland | Woodlands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Western Europe, Southern Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Golden-tailed Hoverfly
A wasp-mimicking hoverfly with bold yellow and black bands and long antennae. It flies with a distinctive slow, wasp-like flight pattern.
Did You Know?
Its unusually long antennae enhance its wasp mimicry, fooling both predators and humans.
Gatekeeper
A common warm-brown butterfly often seen basking on hedgerow flowers in high summer. It has distinctive twin white pupils within the eye-spots on its forewings.
Did You Know?
Its alternative name 'Hedge Brown' reflects its strong association with hedgerow habitats.