Thyridanthrax Bee Fly vs Spotted Crane Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Thyridanthrax Bee Fly | Spotted Crane Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Thyridanthrax fenestratus | Nephrotoma appendiculata |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Bombyliidae | Tipulidae |
| Size | 8-14 mm | 15-25 mm body length |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Meadows |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Scavengers |
| Regions | Southern Europe, North Africa, Middle East | Europe, Western Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Thyridanthrax Bee Fly
A bee fly with distinctive clear 'windows' in otherwise dark wings, found in sandy habitats across southern Europe. Larvae are parasitoids of tiger beetle and solitary wasp larvae.
Did You Know?
The translucent 'windows' in its dark wings may help break up its outline, camouflaging it against dappled sandy ground.
Spotted Crane Fly
A brightly marked yellow-and-black crane fly common across European meadows. Its leatherjacket larvae develop in soil, feeding on plant roots and decaying matter.
Did You Know?
Despite their wasp-like yellow-and-black markings, spotted crane flies are completely harmless and cannot sting.