About Narrow-banded Hoverfly
A small hoverfly with narrow yellow crescent markings on a dark abdomen. It is among the first hoverflies to appear in spring.
Did You Know?
Adults can be seen flying as early as February in mild winters.
How to Identify Narrow-banded Hoverfly
Narrow-banded Hoverfly (Meliscaeva auricollis) belongs to the order Diptera, family Syrphidae. Adults typically measure 7-10 mm.
Narrow-banded Hoverfly Habitat
Narrow-banded Hoverfly is found in underground habitats, particularly across Europe, Asia. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Narrow-banded Hoverfly Diet and Feeding
Narrow-banded Hoverfly feeds primarily on nectar from flowers. In doing so, it acts as an important pollinator, transferring pollen between plants and contributing to plant reproduction and biodiversity.
Where Is Narrow-banded Hoverfly Found?
Narrow-banded Hoverfly can be found in Europe, Asia, where it inhabits underground environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Narrow-banded Hoverfly can be found
Is Narrow-banded Hoverfly Dangerous?
Narrow-banded Hoverfly is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Narrow-banded Hoverfly Role in Nature
Narrow-banded Hoverfly plays an important role as a pollinator. By visiting flowers to feed on nectar or pollen, it transfers pollen between plants, aiding in reproduction and helping to maintain plant diversity. Pollinators are essential for the production of many fruits, vegetables, and wildflowers.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Narrow-banded Hoverfly
What does Narrow-banded Hoverfly look like?
The Narrow-banded Hoverfly typically measures 7-10 mm.
Where is Narrow-banded Hoverfly found?
The Narrow-banded Hoverfly is found in Europe, Asia and typically inhabits underground environments.
What does Narrow-banded Hoverfly eat?
The Narrow-banded Hoverfly feeds primarily on nectar from flowers.
Is Narrow-banded Hoverfly dangerous to humans?
The Narrow-banded Hoverfly is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Narrow-banded Hoverfly?
Adults can be seen flying as early as February in mild winters.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Narrow-banded Hoverfly (Meliscaeva auricollis). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/narrow-banded-hoverfly
MLA:
"Narrow-banded Hoverfly." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/narrow-banded-hoverfly.