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Classification Order: Diptera – true flies Family: Bombyliidae
Length 6–12.5mm.Phenology March-June, most frequentApril–May.
Identification
The Large Bee-fly, Bombylius major, is a bee mimic. The eggs are flicked by the adult female toward the entrance of the underground nests of solitary bees and wasps. After hatching, the larvae find their way into the nests to feed on the grubscheck There is a dark edge to the wing which should be checked for at rest In Britain there are four species of bee-fly in genus Bombylius, i
Life Cycle Its larvae eat the larvae of bees and wasps in their nests. Bombylius major has several host species, including beetle larvae and the brood of solitary wasps and bees particularly digging bees such as Andrena. They mimic bees to allow them to get close to the bees burrow. When close, the female will flick the eggs into or near the nests of the host insects.
Habitat Gardens and hedgerows where it basks in sunny spots
