Hairy-footed Flower Bee vs Alpine Soldierfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Hairy-footed Flower Bee | Alpine Soldierfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Anthophora plumipes | Oxycera morrisii |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Apidae | Stratiomyidae |
| Size | 14-16 mm | 5-7 mm body length |
| Habitat | Underground | Mountains |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Western Europe, Central Europe, Southern Europe | British Isles, Alps, Northern Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Hairy-footed Flower Bee
A fast-flying, plump solitary bee with males covered in tawny hair and females jet black. It is one of the earliest spring bees, often visiting pulmonaria and comfrey.
Did You Know?
Males hover in front of flowers like tiny hummingbirds, darting between blooms at high speed.
Alpine Soldierfly
A small, brightly patterned soldierfly found near mountain springs and seepages. Its larvae develop in calcareous spring water at high elevations.
Did You Know?
Its larvae encrust themselves with calcium carbonate from the mineral-rich spring water.