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Bombyliidae Collection

The Bombyliidae, commonly known as bee flies, are fascinating insects found in various regions around the world

Background imageBombyliidae Collection: Bee Fly - feeding on nectar from daisy flower. Larvae prey on or parasitise various stages of many

Bee Fly - feeding on nectar from daisy flower. Larvae prey on or parasitise various stages of many insects
ASW-4788 Bee Fly - feeding on nectar from daisy flower. Larvae prey on or parasitise various stages of many insects Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Australoechus hirtus Alan J. S

Background imageBombyliidae Collection: Large bee-fly (Bombylius major) nectaring on Lungwort (Pulmonaria sp). In garden, Surrey

Large bee-fly (Bombylius major) nectaring on Lungwort (Pulmonaria sp). In garden, Surrey, England, UK. March

Background imageBombyliidae Collection: Common bee fly (Bombylius major) nectaring on a Greater periwinkle flower (Vinca major)

Common bee fly (Bombylius major) nectaring on a Greater periwinkle flower (Vinca major), Wiltshire garden, UK, April

Background imageBombyliidae Collection: Bee-fly (Bombylius sp) nectaring on Rock soapwort (Saponaria ocymoides), blue pollen on head

Bee-fly (Bombylius sp) nectaring on Rock soapwort (Saponaria ocymoides), blue pollen on head. Alpes Maritimes, France. May

Background imageBombyliidae Collection: Common bee fly (Bombylius major) nectaring on Primrose (Primula vulgaris)

Common bee fly (Bombylius major) nectaring on Primrose (Primula vulgaris). This insect is the main pollinator of Primrose. In nature reserve, Surrey, England, UK, April

Background imageBombyliidae Collection: Large bee fly -Bombylius major- sucking nectar from an aubrieta -Aubrieta- Untergroeningen

Large bee fly -Bombylius major- sucking nectar from an aubrieta -Aubrieta- Untergroeningen, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany, Europe

Background imageBombyliidae Collection: Bee-fly (Bombyliidae) on Ladys Smock (Cardamine pratensis)

Bee-fly (Bombyliidae) on Ladys Smock (Cardamine pratensis)

Background imageBombyliidae Collection: Large bee fly -Bombylius major-, Untergroeningen, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany, Europe

Large bee fly -Bombylius major-, Untergroeningen, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany, Europe

Background imageBombyliidae Collection: Large bee fly -Bombylius major- approaching an aubrieta -Aubrieta-, Untergroeningen

Large bee fly -Bombylius major- approaching an aubrieta -Aubrieta-, Untergroeningen, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany, Europe

Background imageBombyliidae Collection: Large bee fly -Bombylius major- basking, Untergroeningen, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany, Europe

Large bee fly -Bombylius major- basking, Untergroeningen, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany, Europe

Background imageBombyliidae Collection: Bee fly clinging to a blade of grass

Bee fly clinging to a blade of grass

Background imageBombyliidae Collection: Bee-fly feeding on mountain scabious C016 / 4749

Bee-fly feeding on mountain scabious C016 / 4749
Bee-fly feeding on mountain scabious. Close-up of a bee-fly (Bombylius sp.) feeding on Canary mountain scabious (Pterocephalus dumetorum) flowers. Photographed in Tenerife, Canary Islands

Background imageBombyliidae Collection: Bee-fly feeding C016 / 4744

Bee-fly feeding C016 / 4744
Bee-fly feeding. Close-up of a bee-fly (family Bombyliidae) feeding on a flower. Photographed in Tenerife, Canary Islands

Background imageBombyliidae Collection: Robber fly and prey C016 / 4741

Robber fly and prey C016 / 4741
Robber fly and prey. Robber fly (Promachus sp.) with a bee-fly (family Bombyliidae) it has caught. Robber flies (family Asilidae) are predators of other flying insects that they ambush in flight

Background imageBombyliidae Collection: Two birds on title page, waiting for crumbs

Two birds on title page, waiting for crumbs
Heart-shaped enamel on metal badge made by Ernestine Mills (1871-1959), possibly for the W.S.P.Us Womens Exhibition of 1909

Background imageBombyliidae Collection: Bombyliidae specimens

Bombyliidae specimens
Bee-flies from around the world, clockwise from top left: Systropus, Bombylius, Cephalopdromia and Ligyra. Adults are flower feeders, the larvae are parasitoids of other insects


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The Bombyliidae, commonly known as bee flies, are fascinating insects found in various regions around the world. These small creatures play a crucial role in pollination as they feed on nectar from beautiful flowers like daisies, lungwort, periwinkle, rock soapwort, primrose, honesty, goat willow catkin, Darwins barberry and ladys smock. In Grahamstown, Eastern Cape of South Africa where these bee flies are widespread and common in drier regions. Here they can be seen gracefully hovering over daisy flowers while sipping on their sweet nectar. However, their feeding habits extend beyond just enjoying floral delights; their larvae prey on or parasitize various stages of many insects. These incredible insects also make appearances in Surrey gardens where they bring life to the surroundings by nectaring on lungwort and greater periwinkle flowers. With blue pollen dusting their heads after visiting rock soapwort plants or honing their skills at sucking nectar from primroses and darwins barberries. Even across borders into Germany's Baden-Wuerttemberg region in Europe we find them diligently extracting nourishment from aubrieta plants. Their presence is truly remarkable as they contribute to the ecological balance by aiding in plant reproduction through pollination. Whether it's foraging for food or fulfilling their vital role as pollinators within ecosystems worldwide - these bee flies never fail to captivate us with their beauty and importance. So next time you spot one of these marvelous creatures buzzing around your garden or local park remember how essential they are to our natural world.