Rothschild's Achias vs Narrow-banded Hoverfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Rothschild's Achias | Narrow-banded Hoverfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Achias rothschildi | Meliscaeva auricollis |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Platystomatidae | Syrphidae |
| Size | 15-18 mm | 7-10 mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Underground |
| Diet | Sap Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Papua New Guinea | Europe, Asia |
| Conservation | Data Deficient | Least Concern |
Rothschild's Achias
A remarkable Papua New Guinean fly where males have enormously elongated eye stalks. Males use their extended eyes to size up rivals. Has the largest head capsule of any known insect.
Did You Know?
Has the largest head capsule relative to body size of any insect, with eye stalks wider than its body.
Narrow-banded Hoverfly
A small hoverfly with narrow yellow crescent markings on a dark abdomen. It is among the first hoverflies to appear in spring.
Did You Know?
Adults can be seen flying as early as February in mild winters.