Two-banded Wasp Hoverfly vs Sonoran Blue

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Two-banded Wasp Hoverfly Sonoran Blue
Scientific Name Chrysotoxum bicinctum Philotes sonorensis
Order Diptera Lepidoptera
Family Syrphidae Lycaenidae
Size 10-14 mm 18-22 mm wingspan
Habitat Underground Farmland
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe Western North America
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.

Sonoran Blue

Tiny blue butterfly with orange and black hindwing spots. One of the earliest-flying butterflies of the year in the American West.

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Did You Know?

Adults fly as early as February, when few other butterflies are active in their range.