Large Bee-fly

Bombylius major

The Large Bee-fly, "Bombylius major", is a bee mimic. The eggs are flicked by the adult female toward the entrance of the underground nests of solitary bees and wasps. After hatching, the larvae find their way into the nests to feed on the grubs.
Bee-Fly and the Common Columbine I hope I identified the fly correctly. If not, please let me know :) Thank you! Bombylius major,Geotagged,Large Bee-fly,Slovenia

Appearance

The adult is 14 to 18 millimetres in length, squat and very hairy, with a wingspan of around 24 mm. It has dark patches on the anterior half of the wings and long hairy legs that dangle while in flight. The very long proboscis is used to feed on the nectar of many species of flower, especially primroses. While its wings continue to beat its front legs grip the flower and its long rigid beak is inserted to collect the nectar. Despite its fearsome appearance, the beak is quite harmless.

Bearing a mimetic resemblance to bees their body is stout and furry, with the top of the thorax being black and shiny and the pile either brown, yellow, or white. They have long spindly legs as well as a long rigid proboscis found in the front of the head. Their boldly patterned wings have a distinct dividing border through the horizontal middle between the dark and clear portions. Their antennae are typically very short and pointed. In the field they will be seen hovering and darting above bare ground or flowers, in an up-and-down movement, accompanied by a high-pitched buzz.
Bombylius major the missing lateral view :) Reminiscent of a drilling rig Bombylius major,Geotagged,Germany,Large Bee-fly,Spring

Distribution

"Bombylius major" can be found in April to June throughout temperate Europe and North America and some parts of Asia.
Dark-edged Bee fly (Bombylius major) About this time of year, I often see photos of the bee-fly with enquiries as to the name of this dangerous looking beastie. It is of course, totally harmless (unless you're a mining bee) and it's one of the of the insects I look out for in March every year, because once this little critter emerges, you can bank on the arrival of spring. Watch it in action and read about it, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZRGvlSXx4M Bombylius major,Geotagged,Large Bee-fly,Spring,United Kingdom

Reproduction

"Bombylius major" has several host species, including beetle larvae and the brood of solitary wasps and bees particularly
digging bees such as "Andrena". They mimic bees to allow them to get close to the bees burrow. When close, the female will flick the eggs into or near the nests of the host insects. The larvae are hypermetamorphic parasitoids which then feed on the food stored, as well as the young solitary bees or wasps. If the female is unable to flick her eggs near the nest she plants them on flowers visited by the host insects. The developing larvae then make their way to the host nest or attach themselves to the bees or wasps to then be carried to the nest. Although "Bombylius major" is an excellent pollinator, the larvae limit the population of other pollinators.

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