Pyrenean Snow Fly vs Dark-edged Bee-fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Pyrenean Snow Fly Dark-edged Bee-fly
Scientific Name Chionea belgica Bombylius major discolor
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Limoniidae Bombyliidae
Size 3-4 mm body length 8-12mm
Habitat Mountains Deserts & Drylands
Diet Detritivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Western Europe, Pyrenees, Belgium Asia
Conservation Data Deficient Least Concern

Pyrenean Snow Fly

A rare wingless crane fly found on snow in the mountains of western Europe. It is smaller and darker than related snow fly species.

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Did You Know?

It was first described from specimens collected in Belgium, giving it its name.

Dark-edged Bee-fly

A subspecies of the bee-fly with slightly different wing patterning found in eastern populations.

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Did You Know?

Hovers at spring flowers with its long rigid proboscis extended, looking remarkably like a furry hummingbird.