May, 2013

Bee Fly

One family of flies capable of hovering flight is Bombyliidae, the bee flies. This particular bee fly (Villa lateralis) is just one example of many different species in this area. Although they are true flies, these insects mimic bees in both movement and banded colors. Adults are often seen nectaring at flowers. The larvae are parasitoids of many other immature insects, including flies, beetles, caterpillars, and wasps. This species is very widespread in the U.S. and is reported to parasitize deer fly and horse fly larvae.