Sand Wasp vs Dotted Bee Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Sand Wasp | Dotted Bee Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Bembix rostrata | Bombylius discolor |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Crabronidae | Bombyliidae |
| Size | 15-22 mm | 10-14 mm |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, North Africa, Central Asia | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Sand Wasp
A robust wasp that digs burrows in sandy soil and provisions them with flies. It progressively feeds its larvae fresh prey over several days.
Did You Know?
Unlike most solitary wasps, the mother continues to care for and feed her larvae after hatching.
Dotted Bee Fly
A spring-flying bee fly distinguished from its commoner relative by spotted wings and a darker fur coat. Its larvae parasitize mining bee larvae of the genus Andrena.
Did You Know?
It appears only in spring for a few weeks, closely tracking the flight season of its specific Andrena bee hosts.