Pied Hoverfly vs Flat Silphid Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Pied Hoverfly | Flat Silphid Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Scaeva pyrastri | Silpha tristis |
| Order | Diptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Silphidae |
| Size | 12-16 mm | 10-15 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Predators | Carrion Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, North America | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Pied Hoverfly
A large, elegant hoverfly with white crescent-shaped markings on a dark abdomen. It is a strong migrant and beneficial aphid predator.
Did You Know?
Its white crescent markings distinguish it from nearly all other European hoverflies at a glance.
Flat Silphid Beetle
A flattened, all-black silphid beetle with three raised ridges on each wing case. It feeds on snails and caterpillars rather than carrion.
Did You Know?
Unlike most silphids, it has shifted entirely to predation and is rarely found on carrion at all.