Western Bumble Bee vs Dotted Bee Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Western Bumble Bee | Dotted Bee Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Bombus occidentalis | Bombylius discolor |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Apidae | Bombyliidae |
| Size | 10-22 mm | 10-14 mm |
| Habitat | Mountains | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Western North America | Europe |
| Conservation | Vulnerable | Least Concern |
Western Bumble Bee
A once-common bumble bee of western North America that has experienced dramatic population declines since the late 1990s. They nest underground in abandoned rodent burrows.
Did You Know?
Their catastrophic decline is linked to a pathogen accidentally spread through commercial bumble bee rearing facilities.
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.