Sand Wasp vs White-banded Hoverfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sand Wasp White-banded Hoverfly
Scientific Name Bembix rostrata Leucozona lucorum
Order Hymenoptera Diptera
Family Crabronidae Syrphidae
Size 15-22 mm 10-14 mm
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Underground
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, North Africa, Central Asia Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Sand Wasp

A robust wasp that digs burrows in sandy soil and provisions them with flies. It progressively feeds its larvae fresh prey over several days.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most solitary wasps, the mother continues to care for and feed her larvae after hatching.

White-banded Hoverfly

A dark hoverfly with a broad white band across the abdomen. It is associated with shaded habitats and visits white umbelliferous flowers.

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Did You Know?

Its larvae are predators of aphids found on low-growing vegetation in shaded woodland.