Bee Fly vs Purple-winged Mantis
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Bee Fly | Purple-winged Mantis |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Bombylius major | Tenodera australasiae |
| Order | Diptera | Mantodea |
| Family | Bombyliidae | Mantidae |
| Size | 8-18 mm | 70-95 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, North America, Asia | Australia, Oceania |
| 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.
Purple-winged Mantis
A large Australian mantis with distinctive purple-tinged wings that are displayed in flight. It is one of the more conspicuous mantis species found in tropical and subtropical Australia.
Did You Know?
When it flies, the purple wings create a startling flash of colour that may confuse bird predators.