Ruby Tiger Moth vs Superb Ant-hill Hoverfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Ruby Tiger Moth Superb Ant-hill Hoverfly
Scientific Name Phragmatobia fuliginosa Xanthogramma pedissequum
Order Lepidoptera Diptera
Family Arctiidae Syrphidae
Size 28-35 mm wingspan 10-14 mm
Habitat Heathland Heathland
Diet Herbivores Root Feeders
Regions Europe, Asia, North America Europe
Conservation Least Concern Near Threatened

Ruby Tiger Moth

A small tiger moth with dark brownish-red forewings and rosy-red hindwings spotted with black. It is common across the northern hemisphere and flies both day and night.

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Did You Know?

The hairy caterpillar can survive being frozen solid during winter and resumes feeding when it thaws.

Superb Ant-hill Hoverfly

A striking yellow-and-black hoverfly that mimics a wasp. Larvae develop inside ant nests where they feed on root aphids tended by the ants. A declining species in parts of its range.

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Did You Know?

Larvae live inside ant nests and feed on the root aphids that ants keep as 'livestock'.