Four-toothed Mason Wasp vs Progressive Bee Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Four-toothed Mason Wasp Progressive Bee Fly
Scientific Name Monobia quadridens Exoprosopa fasciata
Order Hymenoptera Diptera
Family Vespidae Bombyliidae
Size 16-19 mm 10-16 mm
Habitat Woodlands Deserts & Drylands
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Eastern North America Africa, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Four-toothed Mason Wasp

A solitary black and white mason wasp that nests in hollow stems and old carpenter bee tunnels. It provisions cells with paralyzed moth caterpillars.

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Did You Know?

It divides its nest tunnel into multiple cells using mud partitions, each containing one egg.

Progressive Bee Fly

A large bee fly with boldly banded wings in dark brown and clear patterns. It is a fast and agile flyer, frequently hovering at flowers in arid landscapes.

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Did You Know?

Its boldly patterned wings may serve as camouflage when resting on dappled ground in arid habitats.