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Bumble bee hover fly

Bumble bee hover fly

Volucella bombylans

A species of Volucella

Resembling a bumblebee, the adept mimic bumble bee hover fly exhibits a fuzzy appearance and varies in color to match different bumblebee species for protective mimicry. This clever species is integral for pollination as it visits flowers, feeding on nectar while displaying remarkable flight maneuverability, including hovering, which is unusual for non-syrphid flies.

General Info About Bumble bee hover fly
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Attributes of Bumble bee hover fly
Colors
Brown
Black
White
Habitat
forest and edge; woodland margin; hedgerow; meadow; wasteland; garden
Adult Food Sources
Nectar from thistles, nectar from knapweed, nectar from lavender, nectar from buddleias, nectar from various garden flowers
Larva Food Source
Larvae of social wasps, larvae of bees, debris from wasp nests, dead insects and larvae within nests, organic matter in wasp nests
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Bumble bee hover fly is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Bumble bee hover fly is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Bumble bee hover 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
The Bumble bee hover fly typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Sponging mouthparts
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Species Status of Bumble bee hover fly
It is present in most of Europe, in the East Palearctic ecozone, in the Near East and in the Nearctic ecozone.
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Distribution Area of Bumble bee hover fly
Europe
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Appearance of Bumble bee hover fly
Bumble bee hover fly is a small insect with a short body and fluff throughout. Its chest edge is covered with yellow fluff, and its abdomen is light yellow, black and yellow.
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How to Identify Bumble bee hover fly?

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Life Cycle of Bumble bee hover fly
Egg The bumble bee hover fly's life begins as an egg, typically small, oval, and laid on or near suitable larval food sources. Color may vary, but they are generally inconspicuous.
Larva Upon hatching, the larvae of bumble bee hover fly often appear worm-like, lacking true legs, with a soft, elongated body designed for feeding and growth, undergoing several molts as they increase in size.
Pupal During the pupal stage, bumble bee hover fly undergoes transformation enclosed in a pupa; this phase is inactive, with significant internal reorganization as the immature insect develops adult features.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult bumble bee hover fly is characterized by wings, a hard exoskeleton, distinct coloring that often mimics bees for defense, and is focused on mating and laying eggs.
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Adult Size of Bumble bee hover fly
1.1 - 1.7 cm
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Predators of Bumble bee hover fly Larvae
Ants, wasps, beetles
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Predators of Adult Bumble bee hover fly
Birds, spiders, rodents
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Interesting Facts About Bumble bee hover fly
Bumble bee hover fly mimics bumblebees not only in appearance but also in flight patterns, tricking predators into avoiding it as a potentially stinging insect.
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Scientific Classification of Bumble bee hover fly
Class
Bugs
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Order
Flies
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Tips for Finding Bumble bee hover fly
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Youth Habitat of Bumble bee hover fly
Rotting and Decaying Matter
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Adult Habitat of Bumble bee hover fly
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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Habitat Preferences of Bumble bee hover fly Through Different Life Stages
To find the various stages of bumble bee hover fly, one must explore distinct habitats. The adults are commonly spotted hovering among flowers in sunny, open fields where they feed on nectar. To observe bumble bee hover fly larvae, one should sift through decaying organic material within beehives or the nests of social insects, as the larvae are detritivores and thrive on decomposing matter. To search for the pupae, a careful excavation near the aforementioned nests is needed, often just below the soil surface where larvae pupate. Engaging in this search requires patience and a keen eye for the habitat nuances where bumble bee hover fly matures.
Are Bumble bee hover fly harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Bumble bee hover 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, Smell
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Bumble bee hover fly is a mimic of bumblebees and is attracted to flowers by their color and smell. While feeding on nectar, it inadvertently collects pollen on its body, which is then transferred to other flowers, aiding in plant pollination.
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