Downlooker Fly vs Two-banded Wasp Hoverfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Downlooker Fly | Two-banded Wasp Hoverfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Rhagio tringarius | Chrysotoxum bicinctum |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Rhagionidae | Syrphidae |
| Size | 8-12mm | 10-14 mm |
| Habitat | Wetlands | Underground |
| Diet | Herbivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Downlooker Fly
A slender predatory fly with spotted wings that perches head-downward on vegetation waiting for prey.
Did You Know?
Always rests facing downward on stems and leaves, earning it the name downlooker or snipe fly.
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.