Pellucid Hoverfly vs Rat Flea
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Pellucid Hoverfly | Rat Flea |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Volucella pellucens | Xenopsylla brasiliensis |
| Order | Diptera | Siphonaptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Pulicidae |
| Size | 14-17 mm | 1.5-2.5 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Scavengers | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Western Asia | Africa, South America, India |
| 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.
Rat Flea
A tropical rat flea found across Africa and South America that can transmit plague. It is second to the oriental rat flea in importance as a plague vector.
Did You Know?
Despite its name suggesting Brazilian origin, it is most commonly found on rats throughout sub-Saharan Africa.