European Melittid vs Indian Tse Tse-like Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute European Melittid Indian Tse Tse-like Fly
Scientific Name Melitta leporina Hippobosca maculata
Order Hymenoptera Diptera
Family Melittidae Hippoboscidae
Size 11-14 mm 7-9 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Pollen Feeders Blood Feeders
Regions Europe, Western Asia South Asia (India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh)
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

European Melittid

A medium-sized oligolectic bee that specializes on legume flowers, particularly alfalfa and clovers. It nests in the ground in sparsely vegetated areas.

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Did You Know?

It is so efficient at collecting clover pollen that a single bee can visit over 1,000 florets in a single foraging trip.

Indian Tse Tse-like Fly

A flattened, leathery ectoparasitic fly that feeds on the blood of horses, cattle, and dogs. It has powerful claws for gripping hair and feathers and moves sideways through the host's coat with ease.

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Did You Know?

These flies are so tenacious that they can run sideways through animal fur and are extremely difficult to swat or remove.