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Bombylius sp.
Bombylius is a large genus of flies belonging to the family Bombyliidae, known as the bee-flies, due to their striking resemblance to bees and bumblebees. All species in the genus share a similarity with the unrelated bees and bumblebees, which they mimic, possessing a thick coat of fur, with a colour ranging from yellow to orange. They can, however, be told apart from their models by the long and stiff proboscis they possess, used for probing for nectar as they fly (much like a hummingbird), by their rapid and darting flight, and by the peculiar structure of their legs. As larvae, they are parasitic and infest the nests of solitary bees, consuming their food stores and grubs.
Spotted in a Holm oak forest
Camera Model: NIKON D300. Exposure Time: 1/500 sec.; f/11; ISO Speed Rating: 800. Focal Length: 300.0 mm.
Spotted on Apr 1, 2013
Submitted on Apr 17, 2013
2 Comments
Thanks Maria
Very nice series - especially like the last photo!