March Fly vs Pellucid Hoverfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute March Fly Pellucid Hoverfly
Scientific Name Bibio marci Volucella pellucens
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Bibionidae Syrphidae
Size 10-13 mm 14-17 mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Detritivores Scavengers
Regions Europe Europe, Western Asia
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.

Pellucid Hoverfly

A large black hoverfly with a striking translucent white band across its abdomen. Its larvae are inquilines in the underground nests of social wasps.

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Did You Know?

Its translucent white abdominal band makes it look like it has a window in its body, unlike any other hoverfly.