Tiger Hoverfly vs Indian Honey Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Tiger Hoverfly Indian Honey Bee
Scientific Name Helophilus pendulus Apis cerana indica
Order Diptera Hymenoptera
Family Syrphidae Apidae
Size 10-14 mm 10-13 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Woodlands
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, Asia South Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Pakistan)
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Tiger Hoverfly

A distinctive hoverfly with bold yellow and black stripes on the thorax. It breeds in muddy, organically enriched water.

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Did You Know?

Its longitudinal thorax stripes are unique among common hoverflies, making it easy to identify.

Indian Honey Bee

A small, dark-banded honey bee native to the Indian subcontinent and the primary managed bee species in traditional Indian beekeeping. It builds multiple-comb nests in enclosed cavities and is well-adapted to tropical conditions.

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Did You Know?

Indian honey bees can thermoregulate their hive by fanning their wings and have a unique defense called 'heat balling' where they suffocate hornet intruders.