Progressive Bee Fly vs Red Soldier Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Progressive Bee Fly Red Soldier Beetle
Scientific Name Exoprosopa fasciata Rhagonycha fulva
Order Diptera Coleoptera
Family Bombyliidae Cantharidae
Size 10-16 mm 8-10 mm
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Underground
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Africa, Asia Europe
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.

Red Soldier Beetle

A very common soldier beetle in Europe with orange-red elytra tipped in black. It is one of the most familiar beetles on hogweed and other umbellifer flowers.

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Did You Know?

In the UK it is commonly known as the bloodsucker beetle, though it is completely harmless to humans.