Unequal Cellophane Bee vs Bee Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Unequal Cellophane Bee | Bee Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Colletes inaequalis | Bombylius major |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Colletidae | Bombyliidae |
| Size | 10-13 mm | 8-18 mm |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Underground |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | North America | Europe, North America, Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Unequal Cellophane Bee
An early spring bee that forms large nesting aggregations in sandy soil. It lines its cells with a waterproof secretion resembling cellophane.
Did You Know?
Nesting aggregations can alarm homeowners as thousands of bees emerge from lawns, but they are docile and rarely sting.
Bee Fly
A fuzzy bee mimic with a long fixed proboscis used for hovering in front of flowers to drink nectar. Despite its innocent appearance, larvae are parasites of solitary bee nests.
Did You Know?
Bee flies are aerial bombers — females flick their eggs into the entrance holes of ground-nesting bee burrows while hovering, never landing.