Patagonian Bumble Bee vs Narrow-banded Hoverfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Patagonian Bumble Bee | Narrow-banded Hoverfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Bombus dahlbomii | Meliscaeva auricollis |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Apidae | Syrphidae |
| Size | 20-40 mm | 7-10 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Underground |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Chile, Argentina | Europe, Asia |
| Conservation | Endangered | Least Concern |
Patagonian Bumble Bee
The largest bumble bee in the world, with queens reaching up to 40 mm in length and covered in dense orange fur. Its populations have collapsed following the introduction of European bumble bees to South America.
Did You Know?
Locals call it the flying mouse due to its enormous size and dense furry appearance.
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.