Melon Fly vs Hover Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Melon Fly | Hover Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Zeugodacus cucurbitae | Syrphus ribesii |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Tephritidae | Syrphidae |
| Size | 6-8 mm | 10-13 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Underground |
| Diet | Fruit Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Asia, Africa, Pacific Islands, Hawaii | Europe, Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Melon Fly
A reddish-yellow fruit fly that is a major pest of melons, cucumbers, and other cucurbits. It has spread from Asia to become invasive across tropical regions.
Did You Know?
Eradication of the melon fly from Okinawa was one of the most successful sterile insect programs in history.
Hover Fly
A bright yellow and black banded hoverfly that is an excellent wasp mimic. It hovers motionless in sunbeams before darting to a new position with extraordinary agility.
Did You Know?
Hoverflies are the only insects besides hummingbirds and hawk-moths that can truly hover in one spot, fly backward, and fly sideways with precision.