Mexican Cactus Fly vs Great Pied Hoverfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Mexican Cactus Fly | Great Pied Hoverfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Copestylum mexicanum | Volucella bombylans |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Syrphidae |
| Size | 12-18 mm | 12-16 mm |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Heathland |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Parasitoids |
| Regions | North America, Central America | Europe, North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Mexican Cactus Fly
A large, dark hoverfly whose larvae develop in decaying cactus tissue. Adults are strong fliers visiting flowers in arid landscapes.
Did You Know?
Larvae play an important ecological role in recycling decaying cactus material.
Great Pied Hoverfly
A furry hoverfly that exists in multiple colour forms, each mimicking a different bumblebee species. Larvae develop inside bumblebee nests.
Did You Know?
Different colour forms mimic different bumblebee species, with some resembling red-tailed and others white-tailed bumblebees.