Marmalade Hoverfly vs Swede Midge
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Marmalade Hoverfly | Swede Midge |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Episyrphus balteatus balteatus | Contarinia nasturtii |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Cecidomyiidae |
| Size | 8-12mm | 1.5-2 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Gall Makers |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, Africa | Europe, 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.
Did You Know?
Migrates in billions from continental Europe to Britain each spring and its larvae eat astronomical numbers of aphids.
Swede Midge
A minute yellowish-brown gall midge that attacks brassica crops by distorting growing points. Its tiny larvae feed inside developing buds, causing characteristic twisted and swollen growth.
Did You Know?
It was first detected in North America in 2000 and has since become a major emerging pest of brassica crops.