Narrow-winged Bee Fly vs Bristly Tachinid
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Narrow-winged Bee Fly | Bristly Tachinid |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Systoechus vulgaris | Epalpus signifer |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Bombyliidae | Tachinidae |
| Size | 7-10 mm | 6-10 mm |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Farmland |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Parasites |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, North Africa | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Bristly Tachinid
A bristly gray parasitic fly found across North America. It parasitizes a wide range of caterpillars including armyworms and cutworms.
Did You Know?
Females scatter tiny eggs on foliage, which are then accidentally swallowed by feeding caterpillars.