Two-banded Wasp Hoverfly vs Noon Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Two-banded Wasp Hoverfly | Noon Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chrysotoxum bicinctum | Mesembrina meridiana |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Muscidae |
| Size | 10-14 mm | 10-13mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Farmland |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Dung 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.
Noon Fly
A large stocky black fly with bright orange wing bases. It basks in sunshine on walls and fences at midday.
Did You Know?
Named for its habit of basking in the midday sun, often sitting motionless on warm surfaces around noon.