About Greater Bee Fly
A pale greyish bee fly with a long proboscis and clear wings. It parasitizes ground-nesting bees in arid Mediterranean habitats.
Did You Know?
It can hover motionless in the air for extended periods while probing flowers with its rigid proboscis.
How to Identify Greater Bee Fly
Greater Bee Fly (Bombylius canescens) belongs to the order Diptera, family Bombyliidae. Adults typically measure 10-14 mm.
Greater Bee Fly Habitat
Greater Bee Fly is found in deserts & drylands habitats, particularly across Southern Europe, North Africa, Western Asia. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Greater Bee Fly Diet and Feeding
Greater 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 Greater Bee Fly Found?
Greater Bee Fly can be found in Southern Europe, North Africa, Western Asia, where it inhabits deserts & drylands environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Greater Bee Fly can be found
Is Greater Bee Fly Dangerous?
Greater 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.
Greater Bee Fly Role in Nature
Greater 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 Greater Bee Fly
What does Greater Bee Fly look like?
The Greater Bee Fly typically measures 10-14 mm.
Where is Greater Bee Fly found?
The Greater Bee Fly is found in Southern Europe, North Africa, Western Asia and typically inhabits deserts & drylands environments.
What does Greater Bee Fly eat?
The Greater Bee Fly feeds primarily on nectar from flowers.
Is Greater Bee Fly dangerous to humans?
The Greater 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 Greater Bee Fly?
It can hover motionless in the air for extended periods while probing flowers with its rigid proboscis.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Greater Bee Fly (Bombylius canescens). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/greater-bee-fly
MLA:
"Greater Bee Fly." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/greater-bee-fly.