Bee Fly vs Bristly Tachinid
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Bee Fly | Bristly Tachinid |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Bombylius major | Epalpus signifer |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Bombyliidae | Tachinidae |
| Size | 8-18 mm | 6-10 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Farmland |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Parasites |
| Regions | Europe, North America, Asia | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Bee Fly
A fuzzy bee mimic with a long fixed proboscis used for hovering in front of flowers to drink nectar. Despite its innocent appearance, larvae are parasites of solitary bee nests.
Did You Know?
Bee flies are aerial bombers — females flick their eggs into the entrance holes of ground-nesting bee burrows while hovering, never landing.
Bristly Tachinid
A bristly gray parasitic fly found across North America. It parasitizes a wide range of caterpillars including armyworms and cutworms.
Did You Know?
Females scatter tiny eggs on foliage, which are then accidentally swallowed by feeding caterpillars.