About Dotted Bee Fly
A spring-flying bee fly distinguished from its commoner relative by spotted wings and a darker fur coat. Its larvae parasitize mining bee larvae of the genus Andrena.
Did You Know?
It appears only in spring for a few weeks, closely tracking the flight season of its specific Andrena bee hosts.
How to Identify Dotted Bee Fly
Dotted Bee Fly (Bombylius discolor) belongs to the order Diptera, family Bombyliidae. Adults typically measure 10-14 mm.
Dotted Bee Fly Habitat
Dotted Bee Fly is found in beaches & coastal habitats, particularly across Europe. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Dotted Bee Fly Diet and Feeding
Dotted 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 Dotted Bee Fly Found?
Dotted Bee Fly can be found in Europe, where it inhabits beaches & coastal environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Dotted Bee Fly can be found
Is Dotted Bee Fly Dangerous?
Dotted 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.
Dotted Bee Fly Role in Nature
Dotted 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 Dotted Bee Fly
What does Dotted Bee Fly look like?
The Dotted Bee Fly typically measures 10-14 mm.
Where is Dotted Bee Fly found?
The Dotted Bee Fly is found in Europe and typically inhabits beaches & coastal environments.
What does Dotted Bee Fly eat?
The Dotted Bee Fly feeds primarily on nectar from flowers.
Is Dotted Bee Fly dangerous to humans?
The Dotted 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 Dotted Bee Fly?
It appears only in spring for a few weeks, closely tracking the flight season of its specific Andrena bee hosts.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Dotted Bee Fly (Bombylius discolor). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/dotted-bee-fly
MLA:
"Dotted Bee Fly." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/dotted-bee-fly.