Mitchell's Diurnal Cockroach vs Narrow-winged Bee Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Mitchell's Diurnal Cockroach | Narrow-winged Bee Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Polyzosteria mitchelli | Systoechus vulgaris |
| Order | Blattodea | Diptera |
| Family | Blattidae | Bombyliidae |
| Size | 30-40 mm | 7-10 mm |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Australia | Europe, Asia, North Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Mitchell's Diurnal Cockroach
A large, flightless cockroach with a shiny dark blue-black body found in arid Australia. Unlike most cockroaches, it is active during the day.
Did You Know?
Its bold daytime activity is thought to be possible because its dark, hard body deters predators.
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.