This is a garden first, the Bee Fly – Bombylius major, the extended proboscis makes them unique amongst British insects and consequently easy to identify. They are apparently quite common but it is a first for me and I am pleased to add it to my garden insect gallery. They use the long proboscis for feeding deep in to flowers to sip nectar. The more you look in the garden, the more interesting it becomes. If you want interesting insects in your garden then don't use insecticide. They are parasitic and lay their eggs in the nests of solitary bees which explains completely why I saw it around the "mines" of the solitary bees on the edge of the lawn.
6 responses to “Bee Fly – Bombylius major”
-
So that’s what it is! We spent ages looking at one on a tea towel on our washing line as it was new to us too.Very happy to have a name for it – thanks!
LikeLike
-
I saw one earlier this year in my garden in Fife, Scotland. This is quite far north I think. I was fascinated watching it hovering over the aubretia. I also have primroses in my garden
LikeLike
-
As soon as we notice the bee flies we also find small “volcanos” of fine soil all over the garden. Are these the exit mounds of the bee flies from an underground bee nest or are thet the entry tunnels to a new seasons bee nest? It would be interesting to know
LikeLike
-
found one hanging from the handle of my patio door last weekend’ i was facinated, never seen one before. don’t know wether it was waking up, wenrt in and got my camera
LikeLike
-
Hello Pete, I think that this is coincidentally the mounds of other mining bees that are active in the garden at the sam time of the year as the beefy and also because the beefy is parasitic on the mining bees that are making their burrows in the garden.
LikeLike
-
Just found one indoors, have never come across one before and was fascinated and pleased to be able to identify it. Does it sting? From Dagenham, Essex.
LikeLike
About the Podcast
Welcome to The Houseplant Podcast, your ultimate guide to houseplants! Join us as we explore the wonders and importance of plants in our lives.
Wildlife in a Suburban Garden 
Leave a reply to paul crane Cancel reply