Red Soldier Beetle vs Two-banded Wasp Hoverfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Red Soldier Beetle | Two-banded Wasp Hoverfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Rhagonycha fulva | Chrysotoxum bicinctum |
| Order | Coleoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Cantharidae | Syrphidae |
| Size | 8-10 mm | 10-14 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Red Soldier Beetle
A very common soldier beetle in Europe with orange-red elytra tipped in black. It is one of the most familiar beetles on hogweed and other umbellifer flowers.
Did You Know?
In the UK it is commonly known as the bloodsucker beetle, though it is completely harmless to humans.
Two-banded Wasp Hoverfly
A striking wasp-mimicking hoverfly with bold yellow and black banding. Distinguished from wasps by its hovering flight and single pair of wings. Larvae develop in ant nests.
Did You Know?
Despite being a harmless hoverfly, its excellent wasp mimicry deters most predators.