Bee Fly vs Soybean Aphid Parasite
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Bee Fly | Soybean Aphid Parasite |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Bombylius major | Binodoxys communis |
| Order | Diptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Bombyliidae | Braconidae |
| Size | 8-18 mm | 1.5-2 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Farmland |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, North America, Asia | East 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.
Soybean Aphid Parasite
A tiny Asian braconid wasp studied as a biocontrol candidate for the invasive soybean aphid in North America. It is highly specific to its aphid host.
Did You Know?
It underwent years of rigorous safety testing before being approved for release against soybean aphids in North America.