Bee fly

Description:

The Bombyliidae are a large family of flies comprising hundreds of genera, but the life cycles of most species are known poorly, or not at all. They range in size from very small (2 mm in length) to very large for flies (wingspan of some 40 mm). When at rest, many species hold their wings at a characteristic "swept back" angle. Adults generally feed on nectar and pollen, some being important pollinators, often with spectacularly long proboscises adapted to plants such as Lapeirousia species with very long, narrow floral tubes. Many Bombyliidae superficially resemble bees and accordingly the prevalent common name for a member of the family is bee fly. Possibly the resemblance is aposematic, affording the adults some protection from predators. (information from Wikipedia)

Notes:

I spent my lunch hour photographing insects that were attracted to the flowers of a Vitex plant. This little fly was quite brave and allowed me to remain close for photos.