Deer Fly (Chrysops) vs Bee Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Deer Fly (Chrysops) | Bee Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chrysops silacea | Bombylius major |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Tabanidae | Bombyliidae |
| Size | 8-12 mm | 8-18 mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Underground |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | West and Central Africa, Congo Basin | Europe, North America, Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Deer Fly (Chrysops)
A medium-sized fly with striking patterned wings and bright green eyes. It is the primary vector of Loa loa, the African eyeworm, in the rainforests of West and Central Africa. It bites during the day, especially around the forest canopy.
Did You Know?
The Loa loa worm it transmits can sometimes be seen migrating across the white of the eye, earning it the name 'African eyeworm'.
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.