Bombylius major

Bombylius major
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Family: Bombyliidae
Genus: Bombylius
Species:
B. major
Binomial name
Bombylius major
Synonyms

Large bee-fly or dark-edged bee-fly

Bombylius major (commonly named the large bee-fly, the dark-edged bee-fly or the greater bee fly) is a parasitic bee mimic fly. B. major is the most common type of fly within the Bombylius genus. The fly derives its name from its close resemblance to bumblebees and are often mistaken for them.

Bombylius major exhibits a unique flight behavior known as "yawing"[1] and plays a role in general pollination, without preference of flower types.[2] The fly does not bite, sting, or spread disease.[3] However, the fly uses this mimicry of bumblebees to its own advantage, allowing close access to host solitary bee and wasp nests in order to deposit its eggs. After hatching, the larvae find their way into the nests to parasitically feed on the grubs.[4]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference :7 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference :0 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ "Bee-flies and false widow spiders confound public". www.nhm.ac.uk. Retrieved 2019-10-15.
  4. ^ Stubbs, A. & Drake, M. (2001). British Soldierflies and Their Allies: A Field Guide to the Larger British Brachycera. British Entomological & Natural History Society. pp. 512 pp. ISBN 1-899935-04-5.