March Fly vs American Hoverfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute March Fly American Hoverfly
Scientific Name Bibio marci Eupeodes americanus
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Bibionidae Syrphidae
Size 10-13 mm 8-11 mm
Habitat Underground Farmland
Diet Detritivores Predators
Regions Europe North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

March Fly

A common black fly that swarms in large numbers around Saint Marks Day in April.

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Did You Know?

Mating pairs fly joined together with the smaller male dangling beneath the female.

American Hoverfly

A widespread North American hoverfly with yellow and black markings. Larvae are voracious aphid predators in crop fields.

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Did You Know?

A single larva can consume several hundred aphids before pupating.