Greater Bee Fly

Bombylius Major

The round, fuzzy body of a bee fly resembles a bumblebee, however there are a few differences. Bee flies have shorter antennae and only one pair of wings, while bees have two pairs. The bee fly does not bite, sting, or spread disease; it uses its long, rigid proboscis to drink nectar from flowers. Resembling bees not only helps the bee fly deter predators, but also allows them to get close to the nests of ground dwelling bees where they will lay their eggs.