Dark-edged Bee-fly
Bombylius major
This record describes Bombylius major (species). Recorded family: Bombyliidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Size up to 25mm with a hairy body resembling a bumblebee. The body is typically brown and relatively uniform in colour (c.f. Bombylius discolor ). The wings are long and narrow, often held outstretched at rest, with a black front edge. If you can observe the difference, please record whether the fly was male or female. Males' eyes touch on top of the head, females' eyes are widely separated. Males tend to peak two weeks in advance of females and it would be good to get more supporting data for this difference. Gardens and hedgerows where it basks in sunny spots. The larvae are parasitic, typically preying on the larvae of solitary bees. The female lays her eggs near the nests of these bees, and the larvae then invade the nests to feed. Dipterists Forum: Bee-flies in genus Bombylius : https://dipterists.org.uk/sites/default/files/pdf/Bombylius%20ID%20guide.pdf
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Terms from the source record, grouped for readability. Broad terms such as size or location are not measurements or a confirmed range.
Wikipedia reference for Bombylius major: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bombylius_major.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Asiloidea
- Family
- Bombyliidae (Bee Flies)
- Subfamily
- Bombyliinae
- Tribe
- Bombyliini
- Genus
- Bombylius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Gardens and hedgerows where it basks in sunny spots.
Seasonal Activity
Spring.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae are parasitic, typically preying on the larvae of solitary bees. The female lays her eggs near the nests of these bees, and the larvae then invade the nests to feed.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common and widespread in Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Bombylius major. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Diptera includes over 150,000 described species of flies, mosquitoes, and midges. Mosquitoes are the deadliest animal on Earth (CDC). Malaria alone causes ~249 million cases and over 608,000 deaths annually, mostly children under 5 (WHO). Vector-borne diseases account for over 17% of all infectious diseases, causing 700,000+ deaths per year.
Ecological role of the group
Despite their disease impact, flies are critical decomposers and pollinators. Hoverflies alone pollinate hundreds of crop and wildflower species. Flies are also the primary food source for many birds, bats, and fish. Forensic entomology relies heavily on fly species for crime scene analysis.
Economic and practical significance of the group
In the U.S., vector-borne disease cases tripled between 2004-2016, with over 640,000 cases reported in that period (CDC). Tickborne diseases doubled from 22,000 to 48,000 annual reports. Globally, mosquito-borne diseases cost billions in healthcare and lost productivity.
Recorded sources for this group: WHO, CDC, PNAS. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Dark-edged Bee-fly (7)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dark-edged Bee-fly
What is Dark-edged Bee-fly?
Dark-edged Bee-fly (Bombylius major) is a species in the family Bombyliidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Dark-edged Bee-fly?
up to 25mm with a hairy body resembling a bumblebee. The body is typically brown and relatively uniform in colour (c.f.
Where is Dark-edged Bee-fly found?
Habitat: Gardens and hedgerows where it basks in sunny spots.
When is Dark-edged Bee-fly active?
Dark-edged Bee-fly: seasonal activity - Spring..
What is the life cycle of a Dark-edged Bee-fly?
The larvae are parasitic, typically preying on the larvae of solitary bees. The female lays her eggs near the nests of these bees, and the larvae then invade the nests to feed.