Spider-hunting Wasp vs Leucozona Hoverfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Spider-hunting Wasp Leucozona Hoverfly
Scientific Name Anoplius nigerrimus Leucozona leucorum
Order Hymenoptera Diptera
Family Pompilidae Syrphidae
Size 12-18mm 10-12 mm
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Woodlands
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Spider-hunting Wasp

A large all-black spider-hunting wasp that drags paralyzed wolf spiders back to its burrow.

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Did You Know?

Paralyzes a wolf spider with a precise sting to the nerve ganglion then drags it backwards to its burrow.

Leucozona Hoverfly

A distinctive hoverfly with a white-banded abdomen found visiting flowers in damp woodland clearings. Larvae prey on aphids. One of the spring-flying hoverfly species.

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Did You Know?

One of the earliest hoverflies to appear each spring, often visiting flowers while snow is still on the ground.