Great Mullein Weevil vs Bee Killer Robber Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Great Mullein Weevil | Bee Killer Robber Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cionus thapsus | Mallophora bomboides |
| Order | Coleoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Curculionidae | Asilidae |
| Size | 3-4.5 mm | 20-28 mm |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Farmland |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe | Eastern United States from New England to Florida |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Great Mullein Weevil
A small rounded weevil found exclusively on great mullein plants. Similar to the figwort weevil but associated with different host plants. Larvae are external feeders in mucous cocoons.
Did You Know?
Each larva lives inside its own slimy mucous cocoon attached to the mullein leaf surface.
Bee Killer Robber Fly
A large fuzzy robber fly that closely resembles a bumble bee in both appearance and buzzing flight. It perches on vegetation and launches aerial attacks on passing insects.
Did You Know?
Its bumble bee mimicry is so convincing that it can sit among real bees at flowers without being recognized as a predator.