Tapered Drone Fly vs Eastern Carpenter Bee
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Tapered Drone Fly | Eastern Carpenter Bee |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Eristalis pertinax | Xylocopa virginica |
| Order | Diptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Apidae |
| Size | 12-16 mm | 19-23 mm |
| Habitat | Wetlands | Gardens |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Eastern North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
Tapered Drone Fly
A large hoverfly resembling a honeybee but distinguished by its yellow-tipped front tarsi. It is active from early spring to late autumn.
Did You Know?
It is one of the earliest hoverflies to appear in spring, sometimes flying on warm days in February.
Eastern Carpenter Bee
A large robust bee that resembles a bumble bee but has a shiny black hairless abdomen. It excavates nesting tunnels in wood and is an effective pollinator of many garden flowers and crops.
Did You Know?
Males are extremely territorial and will hover aggressively near people, but they lack a stinger and cannot sting.