About Bee Fly
A fuzzy bee mimic with a long fixed proboscis used for hovering in front of flowers to drink nectar. Despite its innocent appearance, larvae are parasites of solitary bee nests.
Did You Know?
Bee flies are aerial bombers — females flick their eggs into the entrance holes of ground-nesting bee burrows while hovering, never landing.
How to Identify Bee Fly
Bee Fly (Bombylius major) belongs to the order Diptera, family Bombyliidae. Adults typically measure 8-18 mm.
Bee Fly Habitat
Bee Fly is found in underground habitats, particularly across Europe, North America, Asia. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Bee Fly Diet and Feeding
Bee Fly feeds primarily on nectar from flowers. In doing so, it acts as an important pollinator, transferring pollen between plants and contributing to plant reproduction and biodiversity.
Where Is Bee Fly Found?
Bee Fly can be found in Europe, North America, Asia, where it inhabits underground environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Bee Fly can be found
Is Bee Fly Dangerous?
Bee Fly is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Bee Fly Role in Nature
Bee Fly plays an important role as a pollinator. By visiting flowers to feed on nectar or pollen, it transfers pollen between plants, aiding in reproduction and helping to maintain plant diversity. Pollinators are essential for the production of many fruits, vegetables, and wildflowers.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Bee Fly
What does Bee Fly look like?
The Bee Fly typically measures 8-18 mm.
Where is Bee Fly found?
The Bee Fly is found in Europe, North America, Asia and typically inhabits underground environments.
What does Bee Fly eat?
The Bee Fly feeds primarily on nectar from flowers.
Is Bee Fly dangerous to humans?
The Bee Fly is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Bee Fly?
Bee flies are aerial bombers — females flick their eggs into the entrance holes of ground-nesting bee burrows while hovering, never landing.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Bee Fly (Bombylius major). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/bee-fly
MLA:
"Bee Fly." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/bee-fly.