Superb Ant-hill Hoverfly vs Flower Wasp
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Superb Ant-hill Hoverfly | Flower Wasp |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Xanthogramma pedissequum | Cerceris rybyensis |
| Order | Diptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Crabronidae |
| Size | 10-14 mm | 8-14 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Heathland |
| Diet | Root Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | Europe | Europe |
| Conservation | Near Threatened | Least Concern |
Superb Ant-hill Hoverfly
A striking yellow-and-black hoverfly that mimics a wasp. Larvae develop inside ant nests where they feed on root aphids tended by the ants. A declining species in parts of its range.
Did You Know?
Larvae live inside ant nests and feed on the root aphids that ants keep as 'livestock'.
Flower Wasp
A solitary wasp that hunts small mining bees to provision its nest. Nests in sandy soil, often in dense aggregations. Distinguished from other wasps by its hunting specialization.
Did You Know?
Specializes in hunting mining bees (Andrena), catching them on flowers and carrying them back to its burrow.