Cluster Fly vs Bee Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Cluster Fly | Bee Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pollenia rudis | Bombylius major |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Calliphoridae | Bombyliidae |
| Size | 8-10 mm | 8-18 mm |
| Habitat | Gardens | Underground |
| Diet | Parasites | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, North America | Europe, North America, Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Cluster Fly
A medium-sized, dark gray fly with golden-brown hairs on the thorax. In autumn, it gathers in large clusters inside buildings to hibernate, sometimes in the thousands.
Did You Know?
The larvae of this fly are earthworm parasites, burrowing into the worm through its skin and consuming it alive from the inside over several weeks.
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.