Tag Archives: Tiger Bee Fly (Xenox tigrinus)

The Tiger Bee Fly

July 4, 2026

With the look of something that you might think is not a good insect to have nearby, this is the Tiger Bee Fly (Xenox tigrinus). But it is a highly beneficial insect to have around.

Its size can be intimidating at .43 to 1.75 inches in length and a wingspan that sometimes reaches 2 inches across, but it does not bite or sting. As an adult it only consumes nectar and pollen of mid-to-late summer flowers, which include among others, elderberry, coneflowers and asters.

But the thing that stands out for me, living in a cedar-sided cabin, they are a natural enemy of the Eastern Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa virginica). The female of the Tiger Bee Fly lays her eggs near the entrances of Eastern Carpenter Bee tunnels. The hatched fly larvae eat the Carpenter Bee larvae. Therefore, a natural pest control.

Thank you for your protection Tiger Bee Fly.

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Tiger Bee Fly

July 12, 2025

As I write this, I’m thinking of those who really dislike Carpenter Bees (Xylocopa).

This is a Tiger Bee Fly (Xenox tigrinus). No need for concern about biting or stinging. They won’t harm you. And if you are looking for a way to control Carpenter Bees, this is a potential native and natural partner in their management. The Tiger Bee Fly is a natural predator of Carpenter Bees. Females lay their eggs in close proximity to the nests of Carpenter Bees. After the fly larvae hatch they will enter the tunnels of the bees and eat the bee larvae or wait until the larvae matures to the pupal stage and then dine on them.

And in defense of Carpenter Bees, they don’t eat the wood that they tunnel through. Their purpose in excavating those tunnels is to create nests for their offspring. And much more important is their role in pollination, not just in our gardens, natural areas, but also on farms. 

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