Hornet Hoverfly vs Winter Crane Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Hornet Hoverfly | Winter Crane Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Volucella zonaria | Trichocera annulata |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Trichoceridae |
| Size | 18-22 mm | 5-10 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Scavengers | Detritivores |
| Regions | Europe, North Africa | Europe, 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.
Winter Crane Fly
A cold-adapted crane fly that forms mating swarms in winter even in freezing weather.
Did You Know?
It can be seen dancing in aerial swarms on sunny winter days near buildings.