Turkey Gnat vs Dotted Bee Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Turkey Gnat | Dotted Bee Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Simulium meridionale | Bombylius discolor |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Simuliidae | Bombyliidae |
| Size | 2-4 mm | 10-14 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | North America | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Turkey Gnat
A black fly notorious for swarming livestock in the southern United States. Larvae attach to rocks in swift streams using silken pads and posterior hooks.
Did You Know?
Massive swarms historically caused turkey and livestock deaths in the Mississippi Valley through blood loss and allergic reactions.
Dotted Bee Fly
A spring-flying bee fly distinguished from its commoner relative by spotted wings and a darker fur coat. Its larvae parasitize mining bee larvae of the genus Andrena.
Did You Know?
It appears only in spring for a few weeks, closely tracking the flight season of its specific Andrena bee hosts.