Blue Mason Bee vs Drone Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Blue Mason Bee | Drone Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Osmia caerulescens | Eristalis tenax |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Megachilidae | Syrphidae |
| Size | 7-10 mm | 14-18 mm |
| Habitat | Gardens | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Western Europe, Central Europe, Southern Europe | Europe, Asia, North America, Oceania |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Blue Mason Bee
A small, metallic blue-black solitary bee that nests in pre-existing cavities in wood and walls. It is common in gardens and readily uses artificial bee hotels.
Did You Know?
Females seal each egg cell with chewed leaf material mixed with mud.
Drone Fly
A large hoverfly that is an excellent mimic of the honey bee, complete with similar coloring and buzzing flight. Its aquatic larva is known as a rat-tailed maggot due to its long breathing siphon.
Did You Know?
The rat-tailed maggot larva can breathe in heavily polluted water by extending its telescoping tail siphon up to 10 centimeters to reach the surface air.