Twin-spot Centurion vs Villa Bee Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Twin-spot Centurion | Villa Bee Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sargus bipunctatus | Villa hottentotta |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Stratiomyidae | Bombyliidae |
| Size | 8-13 mm | 10-16 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Heathland |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Parasitoids |
| Regions | Europe | Europe, Central Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Twin-spot Centurion
A metallic bronze-green soldier fly with two characteristic pale spots on the frons. It is one of the most common stratiomyids in Europe, found basking on ivy flowers in autumn.
Did You Know?
It is one of the last flies to be active in autumn, still visiting ivy flowers well into November.
Villa Bee Fly
A striking bee fly with dark-tipped wings and a stout, densely hairy body. Its larvae are parasitoids of moth caterpillars and pupae in the soil.
Did You Know?
Despite its fearsome appearance with dark smoky wings, it is a harmless nectar feeder that cannot bite or sting.