Great Pied Hoverfly vs Orthoclad Stream Midge
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Great Pied Hoverfly | Orthoclad Stream Midge |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Volucella bombylans | Orthocladius oblidens |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Chironomidae |
| Size | 12-16 mm | 3-5 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Detritivores |
| Regions | Europe, North America | Europe, North America |
| 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.
Orthoclad Stream Midge
A small non-biting midge typical of cold running water habitats. Larvae build silk tubes on stone surfaces in stream riffles.
Did You Know?
Orthocladiinae midges are often the most species-rich insect group in pristine mountain streams.