Heath Bee Fly vs Cellophane Bee
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Heath Bee Fly | Cellophane Bee |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Bombylius minor | Colletes thoracicus |
| Order | Diptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Bombyliidae | Colletidae |
| Size | 7-10 mm | 10-12 mm |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Eastern North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Heath Bee Fly
A small, late-summer bee fly with greyish fur and clear wings. Its larvae parasitize solitary wasps in sandy habitats.
Did You Know?
Unlike most bee flies that appear in spring, this species flies mainly in July and August.
Cellophane Bee
A spring-flying plasterer bee native to eastern North America with dense reddish-brown thoracic hair. It lines its brood cells with a secreted polyester-like film.
Did You Know?
The transparent polyester lining it secretes is waterproof, fungus-resistant, and chemically similar to commercial plastic wrap.