Greater Bee Fly vs Golden-tailed Hoverfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Greater Bee Fly | Golden-tailed Hoverfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Bombylius canescens | Chrysotoxum cautum |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Bombyliidae | Syrphidae |
| Size | 10-14 mm | 10-14 mm |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Heathland |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Southern Europe, North Africa, Western Asia | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Greater Bee Fly
A pale greyish bee fly with a long proboscis and clear wings. It parasitizes ground-nesting bees in arid Mediterranean habitats.
Did You Know?
It can hover motionless in the air for extended periods while probing flowers with its rigid proboscis.
Golden-tailed Hoverfly
A wasp-mimicking hoverfly with bold yellow and black bands and long antennae. It flies with a distinctive slow, wasp-like flight pattern.
Did You Know?
Its unusually long antennae enhance its wasp mimicry, fooling both predators and humans.