Common Thick-headed Fly vs Red-legged Jewel Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Thick-headed Fly | Red-legged Jewel Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sicus ferrugineus | Castiarina rufipennis |
| Order | Diptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Conopidae | Buprestidae |
| Size | 8-12 mm | 10-15 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Woodlands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Australia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Common Thick-headed Fly
A distinctive orange-brown fly with a disproportionately large, inflated head and a curved abdomen. It perches conspicuously on flowers waiting to intercept passing bumblebees.
Did You Know?
The parasitized bumblebee eventually dies and buries itself in the ground, where the fly larva pupates inside the bee.
Red-legged Jewel Beetle
A medium-sized jewel beetle with reddish-brown elytra and metallic green thorax. It visits flowers in eucalypt woodlands across southern Australia.
Did You Know?
The genus Castiarina contains about 500 species, all found only in Australia and New Guinea.