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Project Noah Nature School
Bombylius major
The adult is 14 to 18mm (0.55 to 0.71 in) in length, squat and very hairy, with a wingspan of around 24mm (0.94 in). It has dark patches on the anterior half of the wings and long hairy legs that dangle while in flight. Bee flies are expert flyers, and their hovering habit has led to their being incorrectly called a species of hoverfly (Syrphidae). The very long proboscis is used to feed on the nectar of many species of flower, especially primroses.
Open Woodlands
Spotted on Apr 24, 2011
Submitted on Jan 21, 2012
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