Parasitic Bee Fly vs Blue-winged Scoliid Wasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Parasitic Bee Fly Blue-winged Scoliid Wasp
Scientific Name Winthemia rufopicta Scolia dubia
Order Diptera Hymenoptera
Family Tachinidae Scoliidae
Size 6-9 mm 18-25 mm
Habitat Farmland Underground
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions North America, Europe, Asia Eastern North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Parasitic Bee Fly

A medium-sized tachinid fly that parasitizes armyworm caterpillars and other crop pest larvae. It is found across multiple continents.

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Did You Know?

Females deposit multiple larvae on a single caterpillar but only one typically survives to maturity.

Blue-winged Scoliid Wasp

A black and reddish-brown wasp with iridescent blue wings commonly seen on flowers in late summer. It parasitizes green June beetle and Japanese beetle grubs.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the best natural controls for Japanese beetle grubs, which are major lawn and garden pests.