Pellucid Hoverfly vs Japanese Soldier Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Pellucid Hoverfly | Japanese Soldier Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Volucella pellucens | Ptecticus tenebrifer |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Stratiomyidae |
| Size | 14-17 mm | 10-14 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Forests |
| Diet | Scavengers | Scavengers |
| Regions | Europe, Western Asia | East Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Pellucid Hoverfly
A large black hoverfly with a striking translucent white band across its abdomen. Its larvae are inquilines in the underground nests of social wasps.
Did You Know?
Its translucent white abdominal band makes it look like it has a window in its body, unlike any other hoverfly.
Japanese Soldier Fly
A slender soldier fly with a metallic greenish-black body and elongate antennae. It is commonly found near decaying organic matter in gardens and forests across East Asia.
Did You Know?
Like the black soldier fly, species of Ptecticus are being studied as potential bioconversion agents for organic waste.