St Mark's Fly vs Goldsmith Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute St Mark's Fly Goldsmith Beetle
Scientific Name Bibio johannis Cotalpa lanigera
Order Diptera Coleoptera
Family Bibionidae Scarabaeidae
Size 6-10mm 20-26mm
Habitat Underground Orchards
Diet Root Feeders Root Feeders
Regions Europe North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

St Mark's Fly

A small black fly that swarms in May. Males have large heads with huge eyes that almost meet on top.

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Did You Know?

Often confused with the larger Bibio marci but emerges slightly later and has entirely dark legs.

Goldsmith Beetle

A beautiful golden-yellow scarab beetle with a metallic luster and fuzzy underside. It is attracted to lights on warm summer nights.

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Did You Know?

Its genus name Cotalpa means golden shield referring to its remarkably bright metallic golden coloration.