Two-banded Wasp Hoverfly vs Common Thick-headed Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Two-banded Wasp Hoverfly | Common Thick-headed Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chrysotoxum bicinctum | Sicus ferrugineus |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Conopidae |
| Size | 10-14 mm | 8-12 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Common Thick-headed Fly
A distinctive orange-brown fly with a disproportionately large, inflated head and a curved abdomen. It perches conspicuously on flowers waiting to intercept passing bumblebees.
Did You Know?
The parasitized bumblebee eventually dies and buries itself in the ground, where the fly larva pupates inside the bee.