Great Banded Furrow Bee vs Common Moth Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Great Banded Furrow Bee Common Moth Fly
Scientific Name Halictus scabiosae Psychoda alternata
Order Hymenoptera Diptera
Family Halictidae Psychodidae
Size 13-16 mm 2-4 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Nectar Feeders Detritivores
Regions Southern and Central Europe Cosmopolitan
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Great Banded Furrow Bee

One of Europe's largest halictid bees, with prominent white abdominal hair bands. It is a eusocial species expanding its range northward, likely due to climate warming.

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Did You Know?

Its range has expanded northward by several hundred kilometers in recent decades, making it a clear indicator species for climate change effects on insects.

Common Moth Fly

A tiny grayish moth fly with broad, hairy wings giving it a distinctly moth-like appearance. Its wings are held flat over the body at rest, and it runs in short hops when disturbed.

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Did You Know?

Moth flies are important components of sewage treatment trickling filter beds where their larvae help break down waste.