Bee-fly Strepsipteran vs European Stylops
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Bee-fly Strepsipteran | European Stylops |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Stylops ater | Stylops melittae |
| Order | Strepsiptera | Strepsiptera |
| Family | Stylopidae | Stylopidae |
| Size | 2.0-3.5 mm (males) | 2.0-4.0 mm (males) |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Woodlands |
| Diet | Parasites | Parasites |
| Regions | Europe | Europe |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Not Evaluated |
Bee-fly Strepsipteran
A dark-bodied strepsipteran that parasitizes Andrena mining bees in Europe. The triungulins actively seek out host bee larvae in nest cells.
Did You Know?
Tiny first-instar larvae ride on flowers and grab onto visiting bees for transport back to the bee's nest.
European Stylops
A twisted-wing parasite of mining bees in the genus Andrena. Males are free-flying while females remain permanently embedded in the host bee.
Did You Know?
The female never leaves her host bee and only her brood canal opening protrudes between the bee's abdominal segments.