Narrow-banded Hoverfly vs Mexican Cactus Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Narrow-banded Hoverfly | Mexican Cactus Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Meliscaeva auricollis | Copestylum mexicanum |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Syrphidae |
| Size | 7-10 mm | 12-18 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | North America, Central America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Narrow-banded Hoverfly
A small hoverfly with narrow yellow crescent markings on a dark abdomen. It is among the first hoverflies to appear in spring.
Did You Know?
Adults can be seen flying as early as February in mild winters.
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.