Golden-backed Snipe Fly vs Dark-edged Bee-fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Golden-backed Snipe Fly | Dark-edged Bee-fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chrysopilus thoracicus | Bombylius major discolor |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Rhagionidae | Bombyliidae |
| Size | 8-12 mm | 8-12mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Eastern North America | Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Golden-backed Snipe Fly
A striking fly with golden thoracic hairs and dark wings that rests head-down on foliage. Larvae are predators in soil and leaf litter.
Did You Know?
It characteristically rests on vegetation with its head pointed downward, ready to pounce on passing prey.
Dark-edged Bee-fly
A subspecies of the bee-fly with slightly different wing patterning found in eastern populations.
Did You Know?
Hovers at spring flowers with its long rigid proboscis extended, looking remarkably like a furry hummingbird.