Plain-faced Dronefly vs Sweat Bee of the Desert

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Plain-faced Dronefly Sweat Bee of the Desert
Scientific Name Eristalis arbustorum Lasioglossum titusi
Order Diptera Hymenoptera
Family Syrphidae Halictidae
Size 9-11 mm 5-8 mm
Habitat Gardens Deserts & Drylands
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, North America, Asia North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Plain-faced Dronefly

A small, dark dronefly with a distinctive bare facial stripe. It is one of the most common hoverflies visiting garden flowers in summer.

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Did You Know?

It can be distinguished from other droneflies by the shiny, hairless stripe down the center of its face.

Sweat Bee of the Desert

A small metallic green bee found in arid regions of western North America. It nests communally in sandy desert soil.

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Did You Know?

It is attracted to human sweat for the salt it contains, which is scarce in desert environments.