Western Banded Glowworm vs Pied Hoverfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Western Banded Glowworm | Pied Hoverfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Zarhipis integripennis | Scaeva pyrastri |
| Order | Coleoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Phengodidae | Syrphidae |
| Size | 15-30 mm (female), 8-12 mm (male) | 12-16 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Farmland |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | North America, Western United States | Europe, Asia, North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Western Banded Glowworm
A North American glowworm beetle where the larviform female produces rows of greenish-yellow bioluminescent spots along her body segments. Males are winged with elaborate feathery antennae.
Did You Know?
The glowing female looks like a miniature train at night, with paired lateral light organs resembling lit windows on a railcar.
Pied Hoverfly
A large, elegant hoverfly with white crescent-shaped markings on a dark abdomen. It is a strong migrant and beneficial aphid predator.
Did You Know?
Its white crescent markings distinguish it from nearly all other European hoverflies at a glance.