Robust Large-headed Bee vs Mountain Hover Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Robust Large-headed Bee Mountain Hover Fly
Scientific Name Stenotritus pubescens Arctophila superbiens
Order Hymenoptera Diptera
Family Stenotritidae Syrphidae
Size 14-18 mm 10-14 mm body length
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Meadows
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Southern Australia Northern Europe, Alps, Siberia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Robust Large-headed Bee

A heavily built bee covered in dense pale pubescence found in southern Australia. It is one of the fastest-flying bee species and is difficult to catch in flight.

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Did You Know?

It has been clocked flying at speeds exceeding 28 km/h, making it one of the fastest bees ever recorded.

Mountain Hover Fly

A furry, bumblebee-mimicking hover fly of alpine meadows. Its dense body hair helps it retain heat in cold mountain environments.

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Did You Know?

Its convincing bumblebee mimicry deters predators despite being completely harmless.