Two-banded Wasp Hoverfly vs Western Large-headed Bee
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Two-banded Wasp Hoverfly | Western Large-headed Bee |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chrysotoxum bicinctum | Ctenocolletes smaragdinus |
| Order | Diptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Stenotritidae |
| Size | 10-14 mm | 10-14 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Heathland |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Western Australia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Data Deficient |
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.
Western Large-headed Bee
A metallic green bee endemic to Western Australia that belongs to the ancient family Stenotritidae. It nests in sandy soil and forages on native shrubs.
Did You Know?
Its metallic green coloring is unusual for the Stenotritidae family, most of which are dull brown or black.