Northern Black Fly vs Greater Bee Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Northern Black Fly | Greater Bee Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Simulium venustum | Bombylius canescens |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Simuliidae | Bombyliidae |
| Size | 2-4 mm | 10-14 mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Omnivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | North America | Southern Europe, North Africa, Western Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Northern Black Fly
A common biting black fly of northern forests and boreal streams. Larvae form dense colonies on submerged rocks in cold flowing water.
Did You Know?
Females can detect carbon dioxide exhaled by hosts from over 20 meters away.
Greater Bee Fly
A pale greyish bee fly with a long proboscis and clear wings. It parasitizes ground-nesting bees in arid Mediterranean habitats.
Did You Know?
It can hover motionless in the air for extended periods while probing flowers with its rigid proboscis.