Tiger Bee Fly vs Onchocerciasis Black Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Tiger Bee Fly Onchocerciasis Black Fly
Scientific Name Xenox tigrinus Simulium damnosum
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Bombyliidae Simuliidae
Size 12-18 mm 2-4 mm
Habitat Woodlands Rivers & Streams
Diet Parasitoids Blood Feeders
Regions North America Africa
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.

Onchocerciasis Black Fly

The primary vector of river blindness in West and Central Africa. Larvae thrive in oxygen-rich rapids of tropical rivers.

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Did You Know?

This species complex transmits the parasitic worm Onchocerca volvulus, which has blinded millions across Africa.