Superb Ant-hill Hoverfly vs Narcissus Bulb Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Superb Ant-hill Hoverfly | Narcissus Bulb Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Xanthogramma pedissequum | Merodon equestris |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Syrphidae |
| Size | 10-14 mm | 10-15 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Underground |
| Diet | Root Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Europe, North America (introduced), Oceania (introduced) |
| 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'.
Narcissus Bulb Fly
A bumble bee-mimicking hoverfly that comes in multiple color forms matching different bumblebee species. Its larvae bore into and destroy daffodil and narcissus bulbs.
Did You Know?
It exists in multiple color forms, each mimicking a different bumblebee species found in the same habitat.