Great Pied Hoverfly vs Long Hoverfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Great Pied Hoverfly | Long Hoverfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Volucella bombylans | Sphaerophoria scripta |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Syrphidae |
| Size | 12-16 mm | 8-12 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Farmland |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, North America | Europe, Asia, North Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Great Pied Hoverfly
A furry hoverfly that exists in multiple colour forms, each mimicking a different bumblebee species. Larvae develop inside bumblebee nests.
Did You Know?
Different colour forms mimic different bumblebee species, with some resembling red-tailed and others white-tailed bumblebees.
Long Hoverfly
A small, elongated hoverfly with a slender yellow-and-black striped abdomen. Males have an abdomen longer than their wings.
Did You Know?
It is one of the most common hoverflies found in agricultural landscapes across Europe.