Hornet Hoverfly vs Larger Elm Leaf Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Hornet Hoverfly | Larger Elm Leaf Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Volucella zonaria | Monocesta coryli |
| Order | Diptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Chrysomelidae |
| Size | 18-22 mm | 12-16 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Scavengers | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, North Africa | Eastern North America |
| 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.
Larger Elm Leaf Beetle
A robust, bright yellowish-orange beetle with darker wing tips that feeds on a variety of deciduous trees. When handled, it can release a blistering chemical secretion.
Did You Know?
Its hemolymph contains cantharidin-like compounds that can cause skin blisters on contact, an unusual defense for a leaf beetle.