Japanese Beetle Tachinid vs Bee Killer Robber Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Japanese Beetle Tachinid | Bee Killer Robber Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Istocheta aldrichi | Mallophora bomboides |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Tachinidae | Asilidae |
| Size | 5-7 mm | 20-28 mm |
| Habitat | Orchards | Farmland |
| Diet | Parasites | Herbivores |
| Regions | North America, Asia | Eastern United States from New England to Florida |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Japanese Beetle Tachinid
A parasitic fly introduced from Japan to North America specifically for Japanese beetle control. Females lay eggs on the beetle's thorax.
Did You Know?
White eggs visible on a Japanese beetle's thorax are a telltale sign of parasitism by this fly.
Bee Killer Robber Fly
A large fuzzy robber fly that closely resembles a bumble bee in both appearance and buzzing flight. It perches on vegetation and launches aerial attacks on passing insects.
Did You Know?
Its bumble bee mimicry is so convincing that it can sit among real bees at flowers without being recognized as a predator.