Pied Hoverfly vs Longhorn Caddisfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Pied Hoverfly Longhorn Caddisfly
Scientific Name Scaeva pyrastri Oecetis ochracea
Order Diptera Trichoptera
Family Syrphidae Leptoceridae
Size 12-16 mm 8-12 mm
Habitat Farmland Ponds & Lakes
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe, Asia, North America Europe, Asia
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.

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Did You Know?

Its white crescent markings distinguish it from nearly all other European hoverflies at a glance.

Longhorn Caddisfly

A slender caddisfly with antennae much longer than its body. Larvae are unusual among caddisflies in being active predators that hunt in their cases.

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Did You Know?

These caddisfly larvae carry their cases while stalking prey like tiny hermit crabs hunting on the lake floor.