Is bombylius major rare?
Even though the large bee-fly, Bombylius major, is fairly common in gardens and woodland in southern Britain, particularly during the spring, people are intrigued when they see what looks like a hairy bee with a high-pitch hum and frequently ask the Museum to identify them.
Does bombylius major sting?
Despite its somewhat sinister appearance the bee fly is actually vegetarian during its adult life using its long pointy nose spike to drink nectar from flowers rather than as an offensive weapon. Bee flies do not bite or sting, they’re completely harmless*.
How big do bee-flies get?
1-20 mm
They range in size from very small and slender to very large and stout flies (body length 1-20 mm, wingspan 3-40 mm). Bee flies are easily identified by their very hairy body and bold patterns on their wings; the two veins that touch the wing tips have a sharp upward bend.
What do bee-flies eat?
nectar
Their common name are bee flies or humbleflies. Adults generally feed on nectar and pollen, some being important pollinators. Larvae generally are parasitoids of other insects.
What do Bombylius major eat?
It feeds on flowers like primroses and violets in gardens, parks and woodlands.
Do bee-flies sting or bite?
The fly does not bite, sting, or spread disease. However, the fly uses this mimicry of bumblebees to its own advantage, allowing close access to host solitary bee and wasp nests in order to deposit its eggs.
Do bee-flies harm bees?
The gruesome parasitic nature of a young bee-fly The larva is a parasitoid, meaning it is a parasite that will end up killing its host. Many bee-fly species are parasites of bees and wasps, but there are some that target beetles, grasshoppers, ants, moths or caterpillars.
Do Hoverflies hover?
Their fast flight, ability to hover and, in some species, their size are astonishing characteristics. Some hoverflies are among the largest flies of Central Europe. Many species are very colorful.
Can bees fly sting?
Do bee-flies sting? Despite their appearance, bee-flies do not bite or sting. They are mostly interested in finding nectar, mating and laying their eggs.
Do Hoverflies sting?
Although these brightly-coloured insects look like bees or wasps, they are in fact true flies and do not sting. Hoverflies are excellent examples of Batesian mimicry (named after H W Bates who first described it in 1862).
Do bee-flies make honey?
Bees vs Flies Bees can be said to be closely related to ants and wasps whereas flies are not. Bees are known to make honey and store it. They are also known for their role in pollination. On the other hand, flies are only known to be attracted to honey and have no role in pollination.
Can a bee fly sting you?
Even though they have a long thin tongue (proboscis) that looks like it could hurt, bee-flies do not sting nor spread disease and are harmless to humans. The long proboscis is actually used for feeding on flower nectar.