Narrow-banded Hoverfly vs Neotropical Blue Hairstreak
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Narrow-banded Hoverfly | Neotropical Blue Hairstreak |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Meliscaeva auricollis | Pseudolycaena marsyas |
| Order | Diptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Lycaenidae |
| Size | 7-10 mm | 35-45 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Underground | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia |
| 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.
Neotropical Blue Hairstreak
A brilliant iridescent blue hairstreak butterfly with delicate tail streamers on the hind wings. Its underside is pale grey with fine dark lines.
Did You Know?
Its false head pattern on the hind wing tips, complete with fake antennae, tricks predators into attacking the wrong end.