Early Bumblebee vs Broad Centurion Soldier Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Early Bumblebee Broad Centurion Soldier Fly
Scientific Name Bombus pratorum Chloromyia formosa
Order Hymenoptera Diptera
Family Apidae Stratiomyidae
Size 9-16mm 7-10 mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Fruit Feeders Detritivores
Regions Europe Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Early Bumblebee

A small bumblebee with yellow collar, yellow midriff band and an orange tail. One of the first to appear in spring.

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Did You Know?

One of the earliest bumblebees to appear each year, sometimes seen as early as February on mild days.

Broad Centurion Soldier Fly

A beautiful metallic green soldier fly with a broad, flattened abdomen and coppery reflections. Males are more blue-green while females appear more coppery-bronze.

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Did You Know?

Males and females are so differently colored that they were originally described as separate species.