Thyridanthrax Bee Fly vs Pied Hoverfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Thyridanthrax Bee Fly | Pied Hoverfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Thyridanthrax fenestratus | Scaeva pyrastri |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Bombyliidae | Syrphidae |
| Size | 8-14 mm | 12-16 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Farmland |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Predators |
| Regions | Southern Europe, North Africa, Middle East | Europe, Asia, North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Pied Hoverfly
A large, elegant hoverfly with white crescent-shaped markings on a dark abdomen. It is a strong migrant and beneficial aphid predator.
Did You Know?
Its white crescent markings distinguish it from nearly all other European hoverflies at a glance.