Superb Ant-hill Hoverfly vs Thyridanthrax Bee Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Superb Ant-hill Hoverfly | Thyridanthrax Bee Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Xanthogramma pedissequum | Thyridanthrax fenestratus |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Bombyliidae |
| Size | 10-14 mm | 8-14 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Root Feeders | Parasitoids |
| Regions | Europe | Southern Europe, North Africa, Middle East |
| Conservation | Near Threatened | Least Concern |
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.
Did You Know?
Larvae live inside ant nests and feed on the root aphids that ants keep as 'livestock'.
Thyridanthrax Bee Fly
A bee fly with distinctive clear 'windows' in otherwise dark wings, found in sandy habitats across southern Europe. Larvae are parasitoids of tiger beetle and solitary wasp larvae.
Did You Know?
The translucent 'windows' in its dark wings may help break up its outline, camouflaging it against dappled sandy ground.