Heath Bee Fly vs Narrow-winged Bee Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Heath Bee Fly | Narrow-winged Bee Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Bombylius minor | Systoechus vulgaris |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Bombyliidae | Bombyliidae |
| Size | 7-10 mm | 7-10 mm |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Europe, Asia, North Africa |
| 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.
Narrow-winged Bee Fly
A small, hairy bee fly with a rounded body and a short proboscis compared to Bombylius species. It hovers at flowers in arid habitats, frequently visiting low-growing composites.
Did You Know?
Its larvae are important natural enemies of grasshoppers, entering and consuming their egg pods in the soil.