Zodion Thick-headed Fly vs Northern Black Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Zodion Thick-headed Fly Northern Black Fly
Scientific Name Zodion cinereum Simulium venustum
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Conopidae Simuliidae
Size 5-8 mm 2-4 mm
Habitat Underground Forests
Diet Nectar Feeders Omnivores
Regions Europe, North America North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Zodion Thick-headed Fly

A small, grayish-brown conopid fly with a slightly swollen head and prominent proboscis. It is commonly found on flowers where it stalks small bees and wasps for parasitism.

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Did You Know?

Unlike larger conopids that tackle bumblebees, this species specializes in parasitizing smaller sweat bees and halictids.

Northern Black Fly

A common biting black fly of northern forests and boreal streams. Larvae form dense colonies on submerged rocks in cold flowing water.

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Did You Know?

Females can detect carbon dioxide exhaled by hosts from over 20 meters away.