Narcissus Bulb Fly vs Mexican Kissing Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Narcissus Bulb Fly Mexican Kissing Bug
Scientific Name Merodon equestris Triatoma dimidiata
Order Diptera Hemiptera
Family Syrphidae Reduviidae
Size 10-15 mm 24-32 mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Nectar Feeders Blood Feeders
Regions Europe, North America (introduced), Oceania (introduced) Mexico, Central America, Colombia, Ecuador
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Narcissus Bulb Fly

A bumble bee-mimicking hoverfly that comes in multiple color forms matching different bumblebee species. Its larvae bore into and destroy daffodil and narcissus bulbs.

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Did You Know?

It exists in multiple color forms, each mimicking a different bumblebee species found in the same habitat.

Mexican Kissing Bug

A major Chagas disease vector in Central America and Mexico found in both domestic and peridomestic habitats. Adults are attracted to lights and can fly into homes.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the few triatomine species that regularly invades homes by flying toward artificial lights.