Scalloped Oak Moth vs Narrow-banded Hoverfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Scalloped Oak Moth Narrow-banded Hoverfly
Scientific Name Crocallis elinguaria Meliscaeva auricollis
Order Lepidoptera Diptera
Family Geometridae Syrphidae
Size 37-44 mm wingspan 7-10 mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Omnivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, Western Asia Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Scalloped Oak Moth

A warm ochre-yellow moth with a distinctive dark brown band across the forewings. It rests with wings pressed tightly together above its body.

💡

Did You Know?

Despite its name, the caterpillar feeds on many tree species beyond just oak.

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.