Dotted Bee Fly vs Bristly Tachinid Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Dotted Bee Fly | Bristly Tachinid Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Bombylius discolor | Nowickia ferox |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Bombyliidae | Tachinidae |
| Size | 10-14 mm | 12-16 mm |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Underground |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Europe, Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Dotted Bee Fly
A spring-flying bee fly distinguished from its commoner relative by spotted wings and a darker fur coat. Its larvae parasitize mining bee larvae of the genus Andrena.
Did You Know?
It appears only in spring for a few weeks, closely tracking the flight season of its specific Andrena bee hosts.
Bristly Tachinid Fly
A large, heavily bristled tachinid fly with a gray-checkered pattern on the abdomen. It is conspicuously spiny and frequently visits flowers in late summer.
Did You Know?
Its exceptionally long and stiff bristles are thought to help prevent birds from swallowing it.