Venezuelan Pebble Toad Fly vs Villa Bee Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Venezuelan Pebble Toad Fly | Villa Bee Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pantophthalmus bellardii | Villa hottentotta |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Pantophthalmidae | Bombyliidae |
| Size | 30-40 mm body length | 10-16 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Heathland |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Parasitoids |
| Regions | South America (Venezuela, Brazil, Colombia, Peru) | Europe, Central Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Venezuelan Pebble Toad Fly
One of the largest flies in the world, with robust bodies reaching 40 mm and a wingspan exceeding 70 mm. The larvae develop inside rotting tree trunks. Adults resemble large bumblebees and are strong, buzzing fliers attracted to fermenting sap.
Did You Know?
It is among the largest flies on Earth, with larvae that bore through hardwood so effectively they were once thought to be beetle larvae.
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.