Dark-edged Bee-fly vs Darkling Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Dark-edged Bee-fly | Darkling Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Bombylius major discolor | Eleodes obscura |
| Order | Diptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Bombyliidae | Tenebrionidae |
| Size | 8-12mm | 20-35 mm |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Detritivores |
| Regions | Asia | Western North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Dark-edged Bee-fly
A subspecies of the bee-fly with slightly different wing patterning found in eastern populations.
Did You Know?
Hovers at spring flowers with its long rigid proboscis extended, looking remarkably like a furry hummingbird.
Darkling Beetle
A flightless, black desert beetle that raises its abdomen in a headstand posture when threatened. It is well adapted to arid environments.
Did You Know?
It can spray a foul-smelling chemical from its abdomen, earning it the nickname 'stink beetle.'