Bee Fly vs Net-winged Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Bee Fly | Net-winged Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Bombylius major | Calopteron reticulatum |
| Order | Diptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Bombyliidae | Lycidae |
| Size | 8-18 mm | 10-18 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Woodlands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| 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.
Net-winged Beetle
A toxic beetle with raised net-like veins on its elytra and aposematic coloration.
Did You Know?
It forms the model species in a large mimicry ring with moths and other beetles.