Narcissus Bulb Fly vs Alpine Marsh Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Narcissus Bulb Fly Alpine Marsh Fly
Scientific Name Merodon equestris Elgiva solicita
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Syrphidae Sciomyzidae
Size 10-15 mm 5-8 mm body length
Habitat Underground Meadows
Diet Nectar Feeders Predators
Regions Europe, North America (introduced), Oceania (introduced) Europe, Alps
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Narcissus Bulb Fly

A bumble bee-mimicking hoverfly that comes in multiple color forms matching different bumblebee species. Its larvae bore into and destroy daffodil and narcissus bulbs.

💡

Did You Know?

It exists in multiple color forms, each mimicking a different bumblebee species found in the same habitat.

Alpine Marsh Fly

A snail-killing fly of wet alpine meadows and bogs. Its larvae are specialist predators of aquatic snails.

💡

Did You Know?

Each larva can consume multiple snails during its development.