Heath Bee Fly vs Japanese Soldier Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Heath Bee Fly | Japanese Soldier Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Bombylius minor | Ptecticus tenebrifer |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Bombyliidae | Stratiomyidae |
| Size | 7-10 mm | 10-14 mm |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Forests |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Scavengers |
| Regions | Europe | East Asia |
| 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.
Japanese Soldier Fly
A slender soldier fly with a metallic greenish-black body and elongate antennae. It is commonly found near decaying organic matter in gardens and forests across East Asia.
Did You Know?
Like the black soldier fly, species of Ptecticus are being studied as potential bioconversion agents for organic waste.