Tumbling Flower Beetle vs High-altitude Hover Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Tumbling Flower Beetle | High-altitude Hover Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Mordella aculeata | Platycheirus alpinus |
| Order | Coleoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Mordellidae | Syrphidae |
| Size | 3-6 mm | 6-9 mm body length |
| Habitat | Meadows | Meadows |
| Diet | Pollen Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, North America | Northern Europe, Alps, Arctic |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Tumbling Flower Beetle
A small, humpbacked beetle that tumbles erratically when disturbed. Adults are commonly found on flowers where they feed on pollen.
Did You Know?
Their pointed abdomen extends beyond the elytra, giving them a distinctive wedge shape.
High-altitude Hover Fly
A small hover fly with flattened front legs, found in alpine and arctic habitats. It is an important pollinator of mountain wildflowers.
Did You Know?
Its flattened front tarsi are thought to help scrape pollen from flowers.