Tiger Bee Fly vs Lesser Cattle Grub

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Tiger Bee Fly Lesser Cattle Grub
Scientific Name Xenox tigrinus Hypoderma lineatum
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Bombyliidae Oestridae
Size 12-18 mm 11-13 mm
Habitat Woodlands Farmland
Diet Parasitoids Parasites
Regions North America North America, Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Tiger Bee Fly

A large, dramatic bee fly with boldly patterned black and white spotted wings. It is commonly seen flying around wooden structures where its host carpenter bees nest.

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Did You Know?

Females hover at carpenter bee nest entrances and flick eggs inside while the bee is away foraging.

Lesser Cattle Grub

A hairy, bee-like fly slightly smaller than H. bovis, whose larvae also parasitize cattle. Unlike H. bovis, its larvae migrate through the esophageal wall rather than the spinal canal. It causes significant hide damage and meat trim losses in the cattle industry.

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Did You Know?

Warble damage to cattle hides makes them unsuitable for premium leather, costing the cattle industry millions in hide value annually.