Bombylius

Bombylius major, the Dark-edged Bee Fly, is one of my favourite flies.

If you're watching bees busily visiting a patch of flowers you may notice one in particular, making a loud buzz as it zooms round the flowers at high speed with a great, long schnozzle sticking out in front.  It isn't a bee, it's a fly.  

It has a brown furry body and, if it alights, you may see the attractive patterning on its wings.

Another relative, Bombylius discolor, the Spotted Bee fly is slightly less common.  It lacks this wing pattern and has black spots instead.

They are around until July but at their most common now.

By the way, 2019 is THE YEAR OF THE FLY.  During the year the intention is to educate the general public about the diversity, significance and beauty of flies and how they affect our lives.

For a fascinating and entertaining programme about flies listen to Erica McAlister on The Life Scientific on Redio 4.  She makes a really good case for these misunderstood creatures, that are so important in our world.  Google it or try this link   Erica MsAlister