Gold-fringed Mason Bee vs Tundra Robber Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Gold-fringed Mason Bee | Tundra Robber Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Osmia aurulenta | Rhadiurgus variabilis |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Megachilidae | Asilidae |
| Size | 9-12 mm | 10-15 mm |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | Western Europe, Central Europe, Southern Europe | Scandinavia, Finland, Scotland, northern Russia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Gold-fringed Mason Bee
A distinctive solitary bee that nests inside empty snail shells on warm hillsides. Females cover the shell with grass and debris for camouflage after laying eggs.
Did You Know?
It exclusively nests in snail shells, carefully selecting ones of the right size for its brood.
Tundra Robber Fly
A medium-sized robber fly with a dark body and distinctive bristly face. It is an aerial predator that ambushes other flying insects from perches on rocks and low vegetation. Adults have powerful grasping legs.
Did You Know?
This robber fly catches prey in midair and injects digestive enzymes to liquefy the insect's insides before drinking them.