Bee Killer Robber Fly vs Bristly Tachinid Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Bee Killer Robber Fly | Bristly Tachinid Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Mallophora bomboides | Nowickia ferox |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Asilidae | Tachinidae |
| Size | 20-28 mm | 12-16 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Underground |
| Diet | Herbivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Eastern United States from New England to Florida | Europe, Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Bee Killer Robber Fly
A large fuzzy robber fly that closely resembles a bumble bee in both appearance and buzzing flight. It perches on vegetation and launches aerial attacks on passing insects.
Did You Know?
Its bumble bee mimicry is so convincing that it can sit among real bees at flowers without being recognized as a predator.
Bristly Tachinid Fly
A large, heavily bristled tachinid fly with a gray-checkered pattern on the abdomen. It is conspicuously spiny and frequently visits flowers in late summer.
Did You Know?
Its exceptionally long and stiff bristles are thought to help prevent birds from swallowing it.