Narrow-winged Bee Fly vs Turkey Gnat
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Narrow-winged Bee Fly | Turkey Gnat |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Systoechus vulgaris | Simulium meridionale |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Bombyliidae | Simuliidae |
| Size | 7-10 mm | 2-4 mm |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Farmland |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Blood Feeders |
| 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.
Turkey Gnat
A black fly notorious for swarming livestock in the southern United States. Larvae attach to rocks in swift streams using silken pads and posterior hooks.
Did You Know?
Massive swarms historically caused turkey and livestock deaths in the Mississippi Valley through blood loss and allergic reactions.