πŸͺ° Flies

Tiger Bee Fly

Xenox tigrinus

About Tiger Bee Fly

A large, dramatic bee fly with boldly patterned black and white spotted wings. It is commonly seen flying around wooden structures where its host carpenter bees nest.

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Did You Know?

Females hover at carpenter bee nest entrances and flick eggs inside while the bee is away foraging.

How to Identify Tiger Bee Fly

Tiger Bee Fly (Xenox tigrinus) belongs to the order Diptera, family Bombyliidae. Adults typically measure 12-18 mm.

Tiger Bee Fly Habitat

Tiger Bee Fly is found in woodlands habitats, particularly across North America. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Tiger Bee Fly Diet and Feeding

Tiger Bee Fly is a parasitoid whose larvae develop inside or on a host insect, eventually killing it. Parasitoids are important biological control agents in agriculture and natural ecosystems.

Where Is Tiger Bee Fly Found?

Tiger Bee Fly can be found in North America, where it inhabits woodlands environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where Tiger Bee Fly can be found

Is Tiger Bee Fly Dangerous?

Tiger Bee Fly is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.

Tiger Bee Fly Role in Nature

Tiger Bee Fly is an important biological control agent. As a parasitoid, its larvae develop inside host insects, naturally regulating pest populations. This makes it valuable in integrated pest management strategies.

Seasonal Activity

Jan
Feb
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Peak activity Moderate Low / dormant

Frequently Asked Questions About Tiger Bee Fly

What does Tiger Bee Fly look like?

The Tiger Bee Fly typically measures 12-18 mm.

Where is Tiger Bee Fly found?

The Tiger Bee Fly is found in North America and typically inhabits woodlands environments.

What does Tiger Bee Fly eat?

The Tiger Bee Fly is a parasitoid whose larvae develop inside a host, eventually killing it.

Is Tiger Bee Fly dangerous to humans?

The Tiger Bee Fly is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.

What is an interesting fact about Tiger Bee Fly?

Females hover at carpenter bee nest entrances and flick eggs inside while the bee is away foraging.

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Tiger Bee Fly (Xenox tigrinus). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/tiger-bee-fly

MLA:
"Tiger Bee Fly." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/tiger-bee-fly.