Golden-tailed Hoverfly vs Superb Ant-hill Hoverfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Golden-tailed Hoverfly | Superb Ant-hill Hoverfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chrysotoxum cautum | Xanthogramma pedissequum |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Syrphidae |
| Size | 10-14 mm | 10-14 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Heathland |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Root Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
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.
Superb Ant-hill Hoverfly
A striking yellow-and-black hoverfly that mimics a wasp. Larvae develop inside ant nests where they feed on root aphids tended by the ants. A declining species in parts of its range.
Did You Know?
Larvae live inside ant nests and feed on the root aphids that ants keep as 'livestock'.