Eastern Carpenter Bee vs Zodion Thick-headed Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Eastern Carpenter Bee | Zodion Thick-headed Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Xylocopa virginica | Zodion cinereum |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Apidae | Conopidae |
| Size | 19-23 mm | 5-8 mm |
| Habitat | Gardens | Underground |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Eastern North America | Europe, North America |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Least Concern |
Eastern Carpenter Bee
A large robust bee that resembles a bumble bee but has a shiny black hairless abdomen. It excavates nesting tunnels in wood and is an effective pollinator of many garden flowers and crops.
Did You Know?
Males are extremely territorial and will hover aggressively near people, but they lack a stinger and cannot sting.
Zodion Thick-headed Fly
A small, grayish-brown conopid fly with a slightly swollen head and prominent proboscis. It is commonly found on flowers where it stalks small bees and wasps for parasitism.
Did You Know?
Unlike larger conopids that tackle bumblebees, this species specializes in parasitizing smaller sweat bees and halictids.