Dotted Bee-fly
Bombylius discolor
This record describes Bombylius discolor (species). Recorded family: Bombyliidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Size up to 20mm with a hairy body resembling a bumblebee. The body is typically brown with a distinctive black tip to the abdomen (c.f. Bombylius major ). The wings are long and narrow, often held outstretched at rest, with a faint dark front edge and distinctive dark spots, visible when at rest. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed. Commonly found in gardens, meadows, and other areas with abundant flowering plants. Flight time: March to June, most frequent in April. Bee-flies in the genus Bombylius lay their eggs into the nests of solitary mining bees. Dipterists Forum: Bee-flies in genus Bombylius : https://dipterists.org.uk/sites/default/files/pdf/Bombylius%20ID%20guide.pdf
Wikipedia reference for Bombylius discolor: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bombylius_discolor.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Bombyliidae
- Genus
- Bombylius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Commonly found in gardens, meadows, and other areas with abundant flowering plants.
Seasonal Activity
Flight time: March to June, most frequent in April.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Bee-flies in the genus
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Bombylius discolor. 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 Dotted Bee-fly (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dotted Bee-fly
What is Dotted Bee-fly?
Dotted Bee-fly (Bombylius discolor) is a species in the family Bombyliidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Dotted Bee-fly?
up to 20mm with a hairy body resembling a bumblebee. The body is typically brown with a
Where is Dotted Bee-fly found?
Habitat: Commonly found in gardens, meadows, and other areas with abundant flowering plants.
When is Dotted Bee-fly active?
Dotted Bee-fly: seasonal activity - Flight time: March to June, most frequent in April..
What is the life cycle of a Dotted Bee-fly?
Bee-flies in the genus