Great Pied Hoverfly vs Mediterranean Firefly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Great Pied Hoverfly | Mediterranean Firefly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Volucella bombylans | Luciola italica |
| Order | Diptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Lampyridae |
| Size | 12-16 mm | 7-10 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Heathland |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, North America | Europe |
| 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.
Mediterranean Firefly
A common Southern European firefly that flies through warm summer nights producing a continuous greenish glow. It is widespread in Italy and the Mediterranean basin.
Did You Know?
Italian poets and painters have depicted this firefly for centuries, and it remains a beloved symbol of warm summer nights in the Mediterranean.