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Dark-edged bee-fly

Dark-edged bee-fly

Bombylius major

A species of Bee-flies, Also known as Greater bee fly, Black-tailed bee fly

Do not be fooled by this species' name or appearance: dark-edged bee-fly (Bombylius major) is not a bee. Rather, this parasitic species of fly mimics the appearance of bees to gain entry into their hives, laying its eggs there so that its larvae can feast upon the bee grubs. Like the bee, however, this species acts as a pollinator.

How Does the Dark-edged bee-fly Practice Parasitism?
Parasite
General Info About Dark-edged bee-fly
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Attributes of Dark-edged bee-fly
Colors
Brown
Black
Yellow
White
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Dark-edged bee-fly is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Dark-edged bee-fly feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Piercing-sucking mouthparts
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Life Cycle of Dark-edged bee-fly
Egg The egg stage is the beginning of the dark-edged bee-fly’s life cycle. The eggs are small, typically oval or round, and vary in color. They are usually laid in carefully selected locations relevant to the future larvae's food source.
Larva During the larva stage, the dark-edged bee-fly undergoes significant growth. The larvae are worm-like, lacking wings and compound eyes, and their main function is to consume food for rapid growth, increasing in size through moltings.
Pupal The pupa stage involves transformation inside a pupal case. The dark-edged bee-fly is motionless and undergoes metamorphosis. The body is reorganized, with wings and adult structures developing. Coloration may blend with surroundings for camouflage.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult dark-edged bee-fly’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Adult Size of Dark-edged bee-fly
1.2 - 1.6 cm
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Predators of Dark-edged bee-fly Larvae
Ants, beetles, predaceous wasps
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Predators of Adult Dark-edged bee-fly
Birds, mantises, spiders
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Interesting Facts About Dark-edged bee-fly
Dark-edged bee-fly can hover in one spot like a hummingbird, thanks to its incredibly fast wing beats.
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Scientific Classification of Dark-edged bee-fly
Class
Bugs
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Order
Flies
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Family
Bee flies
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Tips for Finding Dark-edged bee-fly
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How Can You Attract Dark-edged bee-fly
Since adult dark-edged bee-fly feed on nectar and pollen, sweet substances like sugar water or fragrant flowers can be used as attractants.
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Habitat Preferences of Dark-edged bee-fly Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of dark-edged bee-fly are typically laid in the nests of ground-nesting bees, where upon hatching, the larvae act as parasitoids of bee larvae. To find the eggs, one must search around areas populated by bees, especially where solitary bees might nest, like sandy soils. The larvae can be found in the same habitats, inside the bee nests. The adults are usually spotted in gardens, meadows, and woodland edges where they hover in sunny spots and feed on nectar from flowers. To encounter adult dark-edged bee-fly, one should look for flowers in full bloom during sunny days, especially in spring and early summer.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Dark-edged bee-fly
The best time to find adult dark-edged bee-fly is during sunny and warm days, which is when they are most active and are foraging for nectar.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Dark-edged bee-fly
Calm and warm weather is ideal for finding dark-edged bee-fly, as they tend to avoid flying in strong winds, rain, or cold temperatures.
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How and Where Can You Find Dark-edged bee-fly at Different Life Stages
Larva Larvae of dark-edged bee-fly are often internal parasites of other insects. To find larval dark-edged bee-fly, one must locate the host insects, which are typically bees or beetiles in various stages of development. Inspecting the ground near nesting sites or areas with high activity of potential host insects may lead to the discovery of larvae.
Pupal The pupae of dark-edged bee-fly typically form in the ground or within the nests of their host insects. To locate a pupal stage dark-edged bee-fly, one should search for loose soil or displaced debris near areas with high concentrations of host insects.
Adult Adult dark-edged bee-fly can be found hovering near flowers, where they mimic the appearance and behavior of bees to avoid predation. Searching for these creatures involves visiting flowering plants on sunny days, particularly those that are known to attract a variety of pollinators, and looking for the distinct bee-like hoverfly engaging in nectar feeding.
Are Dark-edged bee-fly harmful?
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Harmful Effects of Dark-edged bee-fly
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How Does the Dark-edged bee-fly Practice Parasitism?

Dark-edged bee-fly engages in parasitism by laying eggs near the nests of solitary bees. The larvae then enter the host nest, parasitize the bee larvae, consuming their provisions or the larvae themselves. This behavior ensures the survival and reproductive success of dark-edged bee-fly at the cost of host offspring, impacting the bee population's dynamics.

More Effects of Dark-edged bee-fly

Beneficial Effects of Dark-edged bee-fly
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Shape
Dark-edged bee-fly is an effective pollinator, hovering like a hummingbird and using its long proboscis to feed on nectar while inadvertently collecting and transferring pollen. Its hairy body traps pollen grains, which are then dispersed as it visits various flowers.
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