Marmalade Hoverfly vs Bristly Tachinid

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Marmalade Hoverfly Bristly Tachinid
Scientific Name Episyrphus balteatus balteatus Epalpus signifer
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Syrphidae Tachinidae
Size 8-12mm 6-10 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Nectar Feeders Parasites
Regions Europe, Asia, Africa North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Marmalade Hoverfly

A common hoverfly with distinctive double black bands on an orange abdomen. One of the most effective migrant pollinators.

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Did You Know?

Migrates in billions from continental Europe to Britain each spring and its larvae eat astronomical numbers of aphids.

Bristly Tachinid

A bristly gray parasitic fly found across North America. It parasitizes a wide range of caterpillars including armyworms and cutworms.

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Did You Know?

Females scatter tiny eggs on foliage, which are then accidentally swallowed by feeding caterpillars.