Bombylinus
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| Often the first key in identifying Bee Flies, is their manner of flight. They hover over flowers and feed on nectar, but are very fast fliers and difficult to catch. Their appearance seems quite frightening, emphasized by the rigid proboscis. There are ten species of Bee Fly in the UK, of which Bombylinus major is perhaps best known. They are members of the Bombyliidae family and are quite commonly seen during the Spring, darting between flowers. The example pictured, was netted in Lound Wood whilst nectaring, but it is found at most sites within the area.Their larvae are parasitic, feeding in the nests of solitary bees and wasps. They attack both young bees and stores of food within the nest. | ||
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| UK distribution of Bombylinus
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 The UK distribution maps on eakringbirds.com are provided by the National Biodiversity Network (NBN Gateway) Each red square on the map indicates species present in 10km grid squares. Updated September 2011 |
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