Subterranean Termite vs Bee Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Subterranean Termite | Bee Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Reticulitermes flavipes | Bombylius major |
| Order | Blattodea | Diptera |
| Family | Rhinotermitidae | Bombyliidae |
| Size | 4-8 mm | 8-18 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Wood Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | North America | Europe, North America, Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Subterranean Termite
The most economically destructive termite species in North America, living in underground colonies that can number in the millions. Workers forage through soil to reach wood.
Did You Know?
Eastern subterranean termites cause an estimated five billion dollars in property damage annually in the United States alone.
Bee Fly
A fuzzy bee mimic with a long fixed proboscis used for hovering in front of flowers to drink nectar. Despite its innocent appearance, larvae are parasites of solitary bee nests.
Did You Know?
Bee flies are aerial bombers — females flick their eggs into the entrance holes of ground-nesting bee burrows while hovering, never landing.