Hoverfly vs Hawaiian Picture-wing Fly (Heteroneura)
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Hoverfly | Hawaiian Picture-wing Fly (Heteroneura) |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Episyrphus balteatus | Drosophila heteroneura |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Drosophilidae |
| Size | 7-12 mm | 5-7 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Forests |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Wood Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, Africa | Oceania (Hawaii - Big Island) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Endangered |
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.
Hawaiian Picture-wing Fly (Heteroneura)
A remarkable Hawaiian picture-wing fly famous for its hammer-shaped head, found only on Hawaii Island. Males use their broad, flattened heads in head-butting contests for mating rights. It breeds in decaying Clermontia bark.
Did You Know?
Males have uniquely hammer-shaped heads that they use as battering rams, headbutting rival males in combat over territory and mates.