Lesser Cattle Grub vs Heath Bee Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Lesser Cattle Grub | Heath Bee Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hypoderma lineatum | Bombylius minor |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Oestridae | Bombyliidae |
| Size | 11-13 mm | 7-10 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Parasites | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | North America, Europe, Asia | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Lesser Cattle Grub
A hairy, bee-like fly slightly smaller than H. bovis, whose larvae also parasitize cattle. Unlike H. bovis, its larvae migrate through the esophageal wall rather than the spinal canal. It causes significant hide damage and meat trim losses in the cattle industry.
Did You Know?
Warble damage to cattle hides makes them unsuitable for premium leather, costing the cattle industry millions in hide value annually.
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.