Large Narcissus Fly

Description:

A European species of hoverfly. Like other hoverflies it displays a colouration pattern similar to a stinging insect (a bumblebee in this case) as an evolutionary defense mechanism. This hoverfly has taken on characteristics of the bumblebee, including colouration and a hairy carapace. This can be misleading to birds and other animals who may try to eat it or interfere with its feeding. The adult M. equestris feeds on the pollen and nectar of flowers from the genera Lilium and Narcissus. The larvae of these flies are known pests found on the bulbs of these flowers, leading to the names bulb fly and Narcissus fly. This is unlike most other members of the family, which predate on aphids(wiki)