Two-banded Wasp Hoverfly vs Aquatic Snail-killing Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Two-banded Wasp Hoverfly Aquatic Snail-killing Fly
Scientific Name Chrysotoxum bicinctum Sepedon sphegea
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Syrphidae Sciomyzidae
Size 10-14 mm 5-9 mm
Habitat Underground Wetlands
Diet Nectar Feeders Predators
Regions Europe North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Two-banded Wasp Hoverfly

A striking wasp-mimicking hoverfly with bold yellow and black banding. Distinguished from wasps by its hovering flight and single pair of wings. Larvae develop in ant nests.

💡

Did You Know?

Despite being a harmless hoverfly, its excellent wasp mimicry deters most predators.

Aquatic Snail-killing Fly

A slender marsh fly with a distinctly pointed abdomen and yellowish-brown coloring. Larvae are aquatic predators of freshwater snails, attacking them underwater.

💡

Did You Know?

A single larva may consume multiple snails during its development, making it an effective natural snail control agent.