| 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 Bombylius major is perhaps best
known. They are members of the Bombyliidae
family and are quite commonly seen during the Spring,
darting between flowers. 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. |
