Marmalade Hoverfly vs Cluster Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Marmalade Hoverfly | Cluster Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Episyrphus balteatus balteatus | Pollenia rudis |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Calliphoridae |
| Size | 8-12mm | 8-10 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Gardens |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Parasites |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, Africa | Europe, 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.
Did You Know?
Migrates in billions from continental Europe to Britain each spring and its larvae eat astronomical numbers of aphids.
Cluster Fly
A medium-sized, dark gray fly with golden-brown hairs on the thorax. In autumn, it gathers in large clusters inside buildings to hibernate, sometimes in the thousands.
Did You Know?
The larvae of this fly are earthworm parasites, burrowing into the worm through its skin and consuming it alive from the inside over several weeks.