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Progressive Bee Fly


Progressive Bee Fly
Photo Information
Copyright: CJ Vincent (C_J) Silver Note Writer [C: 1 W: 0 N: 127] (451)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2007-09-14
Categories: Insects
Camera: Canon 400D Digital Rebel XTi, Canon Macro Lens EF 180 mm 1:3.5 L USM
Exposure: f/14.0, 1/160 seconds
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2007-09-15 8:12
Viewed: 424
Points: 2
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
CJ's Desert Dwellers: Progressive Bee Fly

Family: Bombyliidae
Species: Exoprosopa
size: 7-12 mm (1/4-1/2 in)

The Bombyliidae (bee flies) are one of the largest families of flies (Diptera), with almost 4,500 valid species described worldwide. Bee flies occur on all continents except Antarctica, however their highest diversities occur in semi-arid and arid environments. The books I have say the adults may sip nectar, as this one is clearly doing. Their mouthparts often form a beak-like projection. They can be seen hovering in mid-air or, often, resting on flowers or open ground. The larvae of Bee Flies are parasites of beetle larvae, wasps and bees and many other hole-nesting or burrowing insects.

Legs on this species are usually dark brown-to-black. Note the pollen all over the legs on this individual. The insect is 'nectaring' on a "Goldeneye" (Zexmenia hispida)


16:9 aspect ratio
very slight crop
anel has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • anel Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1170 W: 0 N: 1963] (8325)
  • [2007-09-16 1:24]

Hello,
Very interesting fly. Beautiful presentation on this Golden Eye. Amazing the spotted wings.
Thanks also for the note
Anne

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