Bee Fly vs Thick-headed Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Bee Fly | Thick-headed Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Bombylius major | Physocephala rufipes |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Bombyliidae | Conopidae |
| Size | 8-18 mm | 8-14 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Parasitoids |
| Regions | Europe, North America, Asia | Europe |
| 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.
Thick-headed Fly
A wasp-mimicking fly that parasitizes bumblebees by injecting eggs into them mid-flight.
Did You Know?
Infected bumblebees bury themselves in soil where the fly larva pupates.