Pellucid Hoverfly vs Warble Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Pellucid Hoverfly | Warble Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Volucella pellucens | Hypoderma bovis |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Oestridae |
| Size | 14-17 mm | 13-15 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Farmland |
| Diet | Scavengers | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, Western Asia | Europe, Asia, North America |
| 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.
Warble Fly
A large, hairy bee-like fly whose larvae migrate through the bodies of cattle for months before emerging from cysts in the back. Adults have vestigial mouthparts and cannot feed.
Did You Know?
The buzzing of a single warble fly approaching can cause an entire herd of cattle to stampede in panic, a behavior called gadding.