Narrow-banded Hoverfly vs Red-footed Robber Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Narrow-banded Hoverfly Red-footed Robber Fly
Scientific Name Meliscaeva auricollis Dioctria rufipes
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Syrphidae Asilidae
Size 7-10 mm 9-13 mm
Habitat Underground Woodlands
Diet Nectar Feeders Herbivores
Regions Europe, Asia Europe, Western Asia
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.

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Did You Know?

Adults can be seen flying as early as February in mild winters.

Red-footed Robber Fly

A slender, metallic-dark robber fly with conspicuous orange-red legs found in European woodlands. It specializes in ambushing small flies and midges from sunlit perches on leaves.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the earliest robber flies to appear each year, often active from late spring when most other asilids are still developing.