Crotch's Bumblebee vs Common Thick-headed Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Crotch's Bumblebee | Common Thick-headed Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Bombus crotchii | Sicus ferrugineus |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Apidae | Conopidae |
| Size | 10-16 mm | 8-12 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Underground |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | California, western USA | Europe |
| Conservation | Endangered | Least Concern |
Crotch's Bumblebee
A western North American bumblebee that has declined by over 90% from its historical range. Once common in California's Central Valley. Threatened by pesticides and habitat loss.
Did You Know?
Has vanished from most of California's agricultural Central Valley where it was once the dominant bumblebee.
Common Thick-headed Fly
A distinctive orange-brown fly with a disproportionately large, inflated head and a curved abdomen. It perches conspicuously on flowers waiting to intercept passing bumblebees.
Did You Know?
The parasitized bumblebee eventually dies and buries itself in the ground, where the fly larva pupates inside the bee.