Heineken Hoverfly vs Two-banded Wasp Hoverfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Heineken Hoverfly Two-banded Wasp Hoverfly
Scientific Name Rhingia campestris Chrysotoxum bicinctum
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Syrphidae Syrphidae
Size 9-12 mm 10-14 mm
Habitat Farmland Underground
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Heineken Hoverfly

An unmistakable hoverfly with a long, beak-like snout used to reach nectar in tubular flowers. It has an orange abdomen and dark thorax.

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Did You Know?

It is nicknamed the Heineken fly because its long snout lets it reach the nectar other hoverflies cannot reach.

Two-banded Wasp Hoverfly

A striking wasp-mimicking hoverfly with bold yellow and black banding. Distinguished from wasps by its hovering flight and single pair of wings. Larvae develop in ant nests.

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Did You Know?

Despite being a harmless hoverfly, its excellent wasp mimicry deters most predators.