Marmalade Hoverfly vs Patagonian Bumble Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Marmalade Hoverfly Patagonian Bumble Bee
Scientific Name Episyrphus balteatus balteatus Bombus dahlbomii
Order Diptera Hymenoptera
Family Syrphidae Apidae
Size 8-12mm 20-40 mm
Habitat Farmland Heathland
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, Asia, Africa Chile, Argentina
Conservation Least Concern Endangered

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.

Patagonian Bumble Bee

The largest bumble bee in the world, with queens reaching up to 40 mm in length and covered in dense orange fur. Its populations have collapsed following the introduction of European bumble bees to South America.

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Did You Know?

Locals call it the flying mouse due to its enormous size and dense furry appearance.