Tiger Hoverfly vs Sand Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Tiger Hoverfly | Sand Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Helophilus pendulus | Phlebotomus papatasi |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Psychodidae |
| Size | 10-14 mm | 2-3 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Caves |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | Africa, Asia, Europe |
| 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.
Did You Know?
Its longitudinal thorax stripes are unique among common hoverflies, making it easy to identify.
Sand Fly
A tiny, hairy, yellowish fly with large dark eyes and wings held in a V-shape above the body. Females feed on blood and are the primary vectors of leishmaniasis in the Old World.
Did You Know?
Sand flies are so small they can pass through standard mosquito netting, and they fly in short silent hops rather than sustained buzzing flight.