Snipe Fly vs Hover Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Snipe Fly | Hover Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Rhagio scolopaceus | Syrphus ribesii |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Rhagionidae | Syrphidae |
| Size | 10-15 mm | 10-13 mm |
| Habitat | Hedgerows | Underground |
| Diet | Predators | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Europe, Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Snipe Fly
A slender, brownish fly with a pointed abdomen and spotted wings that typically perches head-down on tree trunks and fence posts. Adults are ambush predators of smaller insects.
Did You Know?
This fly characteristically rests head-down on vertical surfaces, earning it the folk name "down-looker fly," and lunges at passing prey from this position.
Hover Fly
A bright yellow and black banded hoverfly that is an excellent wasp mimic. It hovers motionless in sunbeams before darting to a new position with extraordinary agility.
Did You Know?
Hoverflies are the only insects besides hummingbirds and hawk-moths that can truly hover in one spot, fly backward, and fly sideways with precision.