Common Bat Fly vs Narrow-winged Bee Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Bat Fly | Narrow-winged Bee Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Basilia nana | Systoechus vulgaris |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Nycteribiidae | Bombyliidae |
| Size | 2-3 mm | 7-10 mm |
| Habitat | Caves | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Europe, Asia, North Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Common Bat Fly
A tiny, completely wingless spider-like fly that parasitizes bats. Its body is so highly modified for ectoparasitism that it bears almost no resemblance to a typical fly.
Did You Know?
It has evolved to be so specialized that its head folds back over the thorax, and it walks like a spider through bat fur.
Narrow-winged Bee Fly
A small, hairy bee fly with a rounded body and a short proboscis compared to Bombylius species. It hovers at flowers in arid habitats, frequently visiting low-growing composites.
Did You Know?
Its larvae are important natural enemies of grasshoppers, entering and consuming their egg pods in the soil.