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Bombylius Major Collection

The Bombylius major, commonly known as the large bee-fly, is a fascinating insect that can be found in various gardens and natural habitats

Background imageBombylius Major Collection: American cockroach, Oriental cockroach, Blatta orientalis, bumble bee, Bombylius major

American cockroach, Oriental cockroach, Blatta orientalis, bumble bee, Bombylius major, early humble bee
FLO4685764 American cockroach, Oriental cockroach, Blatta orientalis, bumble bee, Bombylius major, early humble bee, Bombylius medius, and leathery cerambyx beetle, Cerambyx coriarius, with eggs

Background imageBombylius Major 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 imageBombylius Major 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 imageBombylius Major 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 imageBombylius Major Collection: Bees engraving

Bees engraving
illustration of a Bees engraving

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

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

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

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

Background imageBombylius Major Collection: Bee-fly feeding on flower C016 / 4704

Bee-fly feeding on flower C016 / 4704
Bee-fly feeding on flower. Close-up of a large bee-fly (Bombylius major) feeding on pollen from the male catkins (flowers) of a pussy willow (Salix caprea) tree. Photographed in the UK

Background imageBombylius Major Collection: Bee fly

Bee fly (Bombylius major) on tree bark. This bee mimic feeds on flower nectar using its long proboscis. The larvae of this species feed on the larvae of solitary bees

Background imageBombylius Major Collection: A caught Bee-fly

A caught Bee-fly
Bee-fly (Bombylius major) caught by the sticky hairs of Sticky catchfly (Lychnis viscaria). Photographed in Greece


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The Bombylius major, commonly known as the large bee-fly, is a fascinating insect that can be found in various gardens and natural habitats. This species has been observed nectaring on a variety of flowers, including lungwort, greater periwinkle, primrose, honesty, goat willow catkin, Darwins barberry, and even aubrieta. In Surrey's garden, the Bombylius major was spotted gracefully hovering over lungwort flowers while indulging in their sweet nectar. Its delicate wings fluttered as it moved from one bloom to another. The vibrant colors of the Lungwort (Pulmonaria sp) perfectly complemented this majestic creature. Another sighting took place when this common bee fly visited a Greater periwinkle flower (Vinca major). With its long proboscis delicately inserted into the blossom's depths for nourishment purposes; it showcased an intricate dance between nature and pollination. Primroses seemed to be irresistible to these beautiful insects too. Their bright yellow petals served as landing pads for the Bombylius major as they eagerly fed on their sugary reward. These interactions were captured during March when spring was just beginning to awaken nature from its winter slumber. Not limited to specific floral choices, these bee-flies also showed interest in Honesty (Lunaria annua), Goat willow (Salix caprea) catkins and even Darwin's barberry (Berberis darwinii). Each encounter provided unique opportunities for observation and appreciation of their role in maintaining ecological balance through pollination. Beyond Surrey's borders lies Germany where Untergroeningen became witness to some extraordinary moments involving the large bee-fly. Here we see them sucking nectar from Aubrieta blossoms - showcasing how these insects transcend geographical boundaries with their quest for sustenance. The images captured in Baden-Wuerttemberg highlight both the beauty and resilience of the Bombylius major.