Common Stiletto Fly vs White-tailed Bumblebee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Common Stiletto Fly White-tailed Bumblebee
Scientific Name Thereva nobilitata Bombus lucorum
Order Diptera Hymenoptera
Family Therevidae Apidae
Size 8-12 mm 11-20mm
Habitat Heathland Farmland
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Common Stiletto Fly

A slender, densely hairy fly with a pointed abdomen and silvery-white body hairs. Adults bask on sunlit leaves and bare ground, making short rapid flights when approached.

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Did You Know?

Stiletto fly larvae are important biological control agents, feeding on root-eating pest larvae in sandy soils.

White-tailed Bumblebee

A common bumblebee with two yellow bands and a white tail. Part of a complex of similar-looking species.

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Did You Know?

Actually comprises three nearly identical species only reliably separated by DNA analysis or chemical signatures.