Long-winged Fungus Gnat vs Tiger Hoverfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Long-winged Fungus Gnat Tiger Hoverfly
Scientific Name Macrocera stigma Helophilus pendulus
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Mycetophilidae Syrphidae
Size 5-8 mm 10-14 mm
Habitat Woodlands Ponds & Lakes
Diet Predators Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Long-winged Fungus Gnat

A delicate fungus gnat with unusually long antennae and slender patterned wings. It is often found in shaded damp woodland where it hunts small insects.

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Did You Know?

Some Macrocera species have bioluminescent larvae, though less spectacularly than the cave glowworms.

Tiger Hoverfly

A distinctive hoverfly with bold yellow and black stripes on the thorax. It breeds in muddy, organically enriched water.

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Did You Know?

Its longitudinal thorax stripes are unique among common hoverflies, making it easy to identify.