Syrphid Fly

Wow! This was hard to ID. Not sure why but took me hours to figure this one out. Thanks to bug guide! https://www.jungledragon.com/image/62380

comments (5)

Christine Young

Lion

Hmm. Is it a bee? It looks more like a fly - stout body without a defined waist, large eyes, small antennae that don't look like they have "elbows". The one thing that'll reveal fly vs. bee is whether it had 2 or 4 functional wings. It looks like 2 from this angle, which means it would be a fly. Do you know if it had 2 or 4 wings? Posted 7 years ago
1. Stephen Philips
  
  Lion
  
  Hi! Yes fly. Bee named during auto processing a few images. Yes on 2 functional wings. I love this guys face. Trying to get a straight on shot today. This was hanging out with about 1000 active honey bees on a cactus bloom yesterday. It was the only one I could see on the plant so hopefully it will come back today. I am using a 180mm @ 1:1 so inches away from hundreds of very active bees. Africanized bees are rare but not unheard of here in Arizona. Pretty nervy at times. Especially handholding and getting pricked by neighboring cactus while walking around taking images. All in the name of fun though!! Posted 7 years ago
2. 1. Christine Young
    
    Lion
    
    Okay, gotcha. It is defintely a really cool looking fly. Glad you found the ID.
    
    Wow, hope the honey bees are docile for you. I’ve been stung while trying to blend in like that ;P. And, once one attacks and releases pheromones, all of its worker buddies join in the fight.
    
    Posted 7 years ago
3. Stephen Philips
  
  Lion
  
  Got it!! Copestylum fornax Posted 7 years ago
4. 1. Ferdy Christant
    
    Lion
    
    Nicely done! It has such an interesting appearance, great find. Posted 7 years ago