Plain-faced Dronefly vs Chocolate Mining Bee
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Plain-faced Dronefly | Chocolate Mining Bee |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Eristalis arbustorum | Andrena scotica |
| Order | Diptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Andrenidae |
| Size | 9-11 mm | 9-13 mm |
| Habitat | Gardens | Heathland |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, North America, Asia | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Plain-faced Dronefly
A small, dark dronefly with a distinctive bare facial stripe. It is one of the most common hoverflies visiting garden flowers in summer.
Did You Know?
It can be distinguished from other droneflies by the shiny, hairless stripe down the center of its face.
Chocolate Mining Bee
A medium-sized bee with warm brown fur, common across the British Isles. It visits a wide range of spring and early summer flowers.
Did You Know?
Despite its common name, it is named for its chocolate-brown fur, not any association with cocoa.