Globular Tachinid vs Cuckoo Bumblebee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Globular Tachinid Cuckoo Bumblebee
Scientific Name Gymnosoma rotundatum Bombus vestalis
Order Diptera Hymenoptera
Family Tachinidae Apidae
Size 6-8 mm 15-22mm
Habitat Heathland Woodlands
Diet Parasites Parasites
Regions Europe Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Globular Tachinid

A distinctive round-bodied parasitic fly colored bright orange-red with black markings. Parasitizes shieldbugs. One of the most easily recognized tachinid flies.

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Did You Know?

The unusually round, bright orange body makes this one of the most recognizable parasitic flies.

Cuckoo Bumblebee

A social parasite that invades buff-tailed bumblebee nests, kills the queen and enslaves the workers.

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Did You Know?

Enters the nest of its host species, fights and kills the queen, then forces the workers to raise her own offspring.