Narrow-winged Bee Fly vs Gatekeeper
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Narrow-winged Bee Fly | Gatekeeper |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Systoechus vulgaris | Pyronia tithonus |
| Order | Diptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Bombyliidae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 7-10 mm | 34-38 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, North Africa | Western Europe, Southern Europe |
| 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.
Gatekeeper
A common warm-brown butterfly often seen basking on hedgerow flowers in high summer. It has distinctive twin white pupils within the eye-spots on its forewings.
Did You Know?
Its alternative name 'Hedge Brown' reflects its strong association with hedgerow habitats.