Progressive Bee Fly vs Desert Cuckoo Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Progressive Bee Fly Desert Cuckoo Bee
Scientific Name Exoprosopa fasciata Nomada texana
Order Diptera Hymenoptera
Family Bombyliidae Apidae
Size 10-16 mm 8-12 mm
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Deserts & Drylands
Diet Nectar Feeders Pollen Feeders
Regions Africa, Asia North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Progressive Bee Fly

A large bee fly with boldly banded wings in dark brown and clear patterns. It is a fast and agile flyer, frequently hovering at flowers in arid landscapes.

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Did You Know?

Its boldly patterned wings may serve as camouflage when resting on dappled ground in arid habitats.

Desert Cuckoo Bee

A parasitic wasp-like bee that lays its eggs in the nests of other desert bees. Its larvae consume the host's pollen provisions.

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Did You Know?

It lacks pollen-collecting hairs entirely since it never gathers pollen for its own offspring.