Marmalade Hoverfly vs Pine White

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Marmalade Hoverfly Pine White
Scientific Name Episyrphus balteatus balteatus Neophasia menapia
Order Diptera Lepidoptera
Family Syrphidae Pieridae
Size 8-12mm 42-52 mm wingspan
Habitat Farmland Mountains
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, Asia, Africa Western North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Marmalade Hoverfly

A common hoverfly with distinctive double black bands on an orange abdomen. One of the most effective migrant pollinators.

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Did You Know?

Migrates in billions from continental Europe to Britain each spring and its larvae eat astronomical numbers of aphids.

Pine White

Delicate white butterfly with black forewing veins. Uniquely among pierids, larvae feed on conifer needles rather than broadleaf plants.

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Did You Know?

Periodic population explosions can defoliate large stands of ponderosa pine forest.