Subarctic Flesh Fly vs Blood Bee
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Subarctic Flesh Fly | Blood Bee |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sarcophaga nigriventris | Sphecodes monilicornis |
| Order | Diptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Sarcophagidae | Halictidae |
| Size | 8-14 mm | 7-9 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Heathland |
| Diet | Carrion Feeders | Parasites |
| Regions | Scandinavia, northern Russia, subarctic Canada, Alaska | Europe, Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Subarctic Flesh Fly
A medium-sized gray fly with black longitudinal stripes on the thorax and a checkered abdomen. Unlike most flies, females give birth to live larvae rather than laying eggs. Adults are found on carrion and dung.
Did You Know?
By giving birth to live larvae that are ready to feed immediately, this fly gives its offspring a head start in the short Arctic summer.
Blood Bee
A cleptoparasitic bee with a bright red abdomen and black head that attacks the nests of furrow bees. Females enter host nests to lay eggs that hatch and consume the host provisions.
Did You Know?
Its blood-red abdomen is the source of its common name and makes it look more like a ruby-colored ant than a bee.