Golden-tailed Hoverfly vs Green Hairstreak
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Golden-tailed Hoverfly | Green Hairstreak |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chrysotoxum cautum | Callophrys rubi |
| Order | Diptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Lycaenidae |
| Size | 10-14 mm | Wingspan 26-34mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Heathland |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe | Europe, Asia, Africa |
| 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.
Green Hairstreak
A small butterfly with plain brown uppersides but stunning iridescent green undersides. It always rests with wings closed showing only the green underside.
Did You Know?
It is the only green butterfly in Britain and its color comes from photonic crystals in the wing scales not pigment.