Desert Cuckoo Bee vs Greater Bee Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Desert Cuckoo Bee | Greater Bee Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Nomada texana | Bombylius canescens |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Apidae | Bombyliidae |
| Size | 8-12 mm | 10-14 mm |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Pollen Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | North America | Southern Europe, North Africa, Western Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Desert Cuckoo Bee
A parasitic wasp-like bee that lays its eggs in the nests of other desert bees. Its larvae consume the host's pollen provisions.
Did You Know?
It lacks pollen-collecting hairs entirely since it never gathers pollen for its own offspring.
Greater Bee Fly
A pale greyish bee fly with a long proboscis and clear wings. It parasitizes ground-nesting bees in arid Mediterranean habitats.
Did You Know?
It can hover motionless in the air for extended periods while probing flowers with its rigid proboscis.