Fever Fly vs Davies' Colletes
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Fever Fly | Davies' Colletes |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Dilophus febrilis | Colletes daviesanus |
| Order | Diptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Bibionidae | Colletidae |
| Size | 5-7 mm | 8-10 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | Europe, Western Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Fever Fly
A small, shiny black march fly with spiny front tibiae used for digging. It was once believed to cause fevers in humans, hence its common name, though it is completely harmless.
Did You Know?
Its spiny front legs are used by females to dig into soil for egg-laying, an unusual adaptation among flies.
Davies' Colletes
A small solitary bee that lines its nest cells with a cellophane-like secretion. It often nests in mortar joints of old walls.
Did You Know?
Its nest lining is a natural polyester secreted from glands in its abdomen, making cells waterproof.