Glacier Black Fly vs Thyridanthrax Bee Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Glacier Black Fly | Thyridanthrax Bee Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Prosimulium alpestre | Thyridanthrax fenestratus |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Simuliidae | Bombyliidae |
| Size | 2-4 mm body length | 8-14 mm |
| Habitat | Mountains | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Parasitoids |
| Regions | Alps, Northern Europe | Southern Europe, North Africa, Middle East |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Glacier Black Fly
A small black fly whose larvae develop in fast-flowing alpine streams. Adults are among the earliest insects active after snowmelt.
Did You Know?
Larvae anchor themselves to rocks in torrential currents using silk pads and tiny hooks.
Thyridanthrax Bee Fly
A bee fly with distinctive clear 'windows' in otherwise dark wings, found in sandy habitats across southern Europe. Larvae are parasitoids of tiger beetle and solitary wasp larvae.
Did You Know?
The translucent 'windows' in its dark wings may help break up its outline, camouflaging it against dappled sandy ground.