Australian Magpie Moth vs Pied Hoverfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Australian Magpie Moth | Pied Hoverfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Nyctemera amica | Scaeva pyrastri |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Erebidae | Syrphidae |
| Size | 35-45 mm wingspan | 12-16 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Farmland |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Australia, New Zealand | Europe, Asia, North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Australian Magpie Moth
A striking day-flying black and white moth from Australasia. Caterpillars feed on groundsel and ragwort, sequestering toxic alkaloids. The bold pattern warns predators of its toxicity.
Did You Know?
Its bold black and white pattern serves as a warning to predators that it contains toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids.
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.