Painted Soldier Fly vs Narrow-banded Hoverfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Painted Soldier Fly | Narrow-banded Hoverfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sargus cuprarius | Meliscaeva auricollis |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Stratiomyidae | Syrphidae |
| Size | 10-14 mm | 7-10 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Herbivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Europe, Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Painted Soldier Fly
A brilliantly metallic coppery-green soldier fly with a slender body and clear wings. It basks on sunlit vegetation and is often seen on hogweed and other umbellifers.
Did You Know?
Its metallic sheen changes color depending on the viewing angle, a phenomenon called structural coloration.
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.