Hoverfly vs Giant Tachinid Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Hoverfly | Giant Tachinid Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Episyrphus balteatus | Tachina grossa |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Tachinidae |
| Size | 7-12 mm | 12-18 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Heathland |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, Africa | Europe, Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Hoverfly
Excellent Batesian mimics of wasps and bees. Important pollinators often overlooked. Can hover perfectly stationary in mid-air and even fly backwards.
Did You Know?
Hoverflies are so skilled at hovering that they can maintain their exact position in space even in strong winds, adjusting wing beats up to 300 times per second.
Giant Tachinid Fly
The largest tachinid fly in Europe, covered in dense black bristles. It parasitizes large moth caterpillars and is often seen on flowers in late summer.
Did You Know?
Despite its intimidating bee-like appearance, it is completely harmless to humans.