This is a common fly in the early spring, with adults nectaring on a variety of meadow flowers here at Leaning Oaks. They are round furry-looking flies that are very adept at hovering. The adults are most noticeable in March and April. Bombylius major has an interesting life history; the larvae are parasitoids on solitary bees, such as the Miner Bees. Eggs are laid in or near the burrow of the bee and the larvae hatch and actively seek our the bee larvae in the burrow. In parts of Britain this group of flies are known as Beewhals, because of the long, tusk-like proboscis.
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AuthorsTwo biologists on a beautiful property armed with cameras, smart phones and a marginal knowledge of websites took up the challenge of documenting one species a day on that property. Join along! Posts and photographs by Leah Ramsay and David Fraser (unless otherwise stated); started January 1, 2014. Categories
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