Two-banded Wasp Hoverfly vs Mountain Hover Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Two-banded Wasp Hoverfly Mountain Hover Fly
Scientific Name Chrysotoxum bicinctum Arctophila superbiens
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Syrphidae Syrphidae
Size 10-14 mm 10-14 mm body length
Habitat Underground Meadows
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe Northern Europe, Alps, Siberia
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.

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Did You Know?

Despite being a harmless hoverfly, its excellent wasp mimicry deters most predators.

Mountain Hover Fly

A furry, bumblebee-mimicking hover fly of alpine meadows. Its dense body hair helps it retain heat in cold mountain environments.

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Did You Know?

Its convincing bumblebee mimicry deters predators despite being completely harmless.