Natural England

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Gardening with Wildlife in Mind

The Plant Press

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Bee fly - Bombylius major - Family: Bombyliidae

Bee fly - Bombylius majorBee fly - Bombylius major
© Roger Key/English Nature
UK distribution - East Anglia, North, South East, South West

This large, squat hairy fly resembles a small bumble bee. It has long hairy legs, a very long, slender tongue and clear wings with a black band along their front edge. It is usually seen in early spring, hovering around flower borders and it takes an interest in both primroses and violets. The eggs are flicked towards the entrance of solitary bee nests.

The larvae are brood parasites in the nests of these bees and will be found where suitable areas for the nests of hosts coincide with woodlands, hedgerows or gardens rich in flowers. Adult flies feed on nectar, using their long proboscises whilst hovering beside a flower. Aubretia is one common garden plant frequently visited.

Food

Parasite: larvae are external parasites of solitary bees such as Andrena species. Adults take nectar from plants such as violets and primroses.

Plants

Aubretia, Bugle, Common dog-violet, Hairy violet, Honesty, Primrose, Sweet violet

Prey

Bees and wasps

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