Greater Bee Fly vs Phantom Crane Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Greater Bee Fly | Phantom Crane Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Bombylius canescens | Bittacomorpha clavipes |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Bombyliidae | Ptychopteridae |
| Size | 10-14 mm | 10-15 mm body |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Wetlands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Detritivores |
| Regions | Southern Europe, North Africa, Western Asia | North America |
| 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.
Phantom Crane Fly
A delicate fly with swollen black and white banded tarsi that acts as a tiny parachute, allowing it to float effortlessly on air currents.
Did You Know?
The inflated tarsal segments are hollow and serve as aerodynamic balloons, allowing the fly to drift on the slightest breeze.