Hornet Hoverfly vs Gum Leaf Skeletoniser
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Hornet Hoverfly | Gum Leaf Skeletoniser |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Volucella zonaria | Uraba lugens |
| Order | Diptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Nolidae |
| Size | 18-22 mm | 25-35 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Scavengers | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, North Africa | Australia, Oceania |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Gum Leaf Skeletoniser
A small moth whose caterpillars are known for retaining their shed head capsules stacked on top of each other, forming a tall 'hat'. The larvae feed gregariously on eucalyptus leaves, skeletonising them.
Did You Know?
Its caterpillar is nicknamed the 'mad hatterpillar' because it wears a tower of old head capsules like a top hat.