Great Banded Furrow Bee vs Hornet Hoverfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Great Banded Furrow Bee | Hornet Hoverfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Halictus scabiosae | Volucella zonaria |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Halictidae | Syrphidae |
| Size | 13-16 mm | 18-22 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Scavengers |
| Regions | Southern and Central Europe | Europe, North Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Great Banded Furrow Bee
One of Europe's largest halictid bees, with prominent white abdominal hair bands. It is a eusocial species expanding its range northward, likely due to climate warming.
Did You Know?
Its range has expanded northward by several hundred kilometers in recent decades, making it a clear indicator species for climate change effects on insects.
Hornet Hoverfly
Europe's largest hoverfly and a convincing hornet mimic with bold yellow-and-brown banding. Its larvae develop as scavengers in the nests of social wasps and hornets.
Did You Know?
Its larvae live inside hornet nests, feeding on dead wasps and nest debris while being ignored by the colony.