Vestal Cuckoo Bumblebee vs Narcissus Bulb Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Vestal Cuckoo Bumblebee | Narcissus Bulb Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Psithyrus vestalis | Merodon equestris |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Apidae | Syrphidae |
| Size | 15-20 mm | 10-15 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Parasites | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Europe, North America (introduced), Oceania (introduced) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Vestal Cuckoo Bumblebee
A brood parasitic bumblebee that takes over colonies of the Buff-tailed Bumblebee. The female kills or subdues the host queen and uses the workers to raise her own offspring.
Did You Know?
Females infiltrate host bumblebee nests and take them over by force, enslaving the workers to raise cuckoo brood.
Narcissus Bulb Fly
A bumble bee-mimicking hoverfly that comes in multiple color forms matching different bumblebee species. Its larvae bore into and destroy daffodil and narcissus bulbs.
Did You Know?
It exists in multiple color forms, each mimicking a different bumblebee species found in the same habitat.