Bee-fly Strepsipteran vs Satin Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Bee-fly Strepsipteran Satin Moth
Scientific Name Stylops ater Leucoma salicis
Order Strepsiptera Lepidoptera
Family Stylopidae Erebidae
Size 2.0-3.5 mm (males) 40-55 mm wingspan
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Parasites Omnivores
Regions Europe Europe, Asia (introduced to North America)
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

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.

Satin Moth

A pure white moth with a satin-like sheen and strikingly chequered black-and-white legs. It can become a serious defoliator of poplar and willow trees.

💡

Did You Know?

The caterpillar's hairs can cause skin irritation in humans, similar to a mild rash.