Long Hoverfly vs Spurge Hawkmoth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Long Hoverfly Spurge Hawkmoth
Scientific Name Sphaerophoria scripta Hyles euphorbiae
Order Diptera Lepidoptera
Family Syrphidae Sphingidae
Size 8-12 mm 60-80 mm wingspan
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Nectar Feeders Omnivores
Regions Europe, Asia, North Africa Europe, Central Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Long Hoverfly

A small, elongated hoverfly with a slender yellow-and-black striped abdomen. Males have an abdomen longer than their wings.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the most common hoverflies found in agricultural landscapes across Europe.

Spurge Hawkmoth

A striking hawkmoth with olive and pink forewings and rosy-red hindwings with a black base. Its caterpillar is equally spectacular with red, black, yellow, and white markings.

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Did You Know?

It has been introduced to North America as a biological control agent for invasive leafy spurge.