About Heath Bee Fly
A small, late-summer bee fly with greyish fur and clear wings. Its larvae parasitize solitary wasps in sandy habitats.
Did You Know?
Unlike most bee flies that appear in spring, this species flies mainly in July and August.
How to Identify Heath Bee Fly
Heath Bee Fly (Bombylius minor) belongs to the order Diptera, family Bombyliidae. Adults typically measure 7-10 mm.
Heath Bee Fly Habitat
Heath 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.
Heath Bee Fly Diet and Feeding
Heath 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 Heath Bee Fly Found?
Heath 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 Heath Bee Fly can be found
Is Heath Bee Fly Dangerous?
Heath 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.
Heath Bee Fly Role in Nature
Heath 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 Heath Bee Fly
What does Heath Bee Fly look like?
The Heath Bee Fly typically measures 7-10 mm.
Where is Heath Bee Fly found?
The Heath Bee Fly is found in Europe and typically inhabits beaches & coastal environments.
What does Heath Bee Fly eat?
The Heath Bee Fly feeds primarily on nectar from flowers.
Is Heath Bee Fly dangerous to humans?
The Heath 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 Heath Bee Fly?
Unlike most bee flies that appear in spring, this species flies mainly in July and August.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Heath Bee Fly (Bombylius minor). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/heath-bee-fly
MLA:
"Heath Bee Fly." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/heath-bee-fly.