|
|
|
|
Bee Flies - Family BombyliidaeThis page contains pictures and information about Bee Flies that we found in
the Brisbane area, Queensland, Australia.
Bee Fly adults have long proboscis and feed on nectar and pollen. On a sunny day, they are often seen on feed on flowers, hovering over vegetation or rest on bare ground. They are the the import pollinators, some are even the primary pollinators of some species of flower plants. Bee Flies are hairy, most of them mimic wasps or bees (Batesian mimics of Hymenoptera). However, they have stout and woolly body and do not have narrowed waist. Their wings are easily recognized with distinctive vein pattern, usually dark in colour, some with patterns or spots. When at rest, their wings are flat in outspread position. Their head is occupied by their large eyes, more or less in hemispherical shape. Their legs are slender and without bristles. Their claws are small. Bee Flies favour warm, and sunny localities. Most have a strong, hovering flight and are usually found hovering on blossom or patches of bare soil. Most of their larvae are parasitic on other insects' eggs or larvae. Very few others are predaceous, free living in soil. As you might imagine, their larvae are hard to be found. Both flies in Bee Flies family and Hover flies (Syrphidae) family mimic bees. The main character to recognize between them is Bee Flies have longer wings. Hover Flies have shorter wings with a series of closed cell on the wings hind margins. Subfamily Toxophorinae - Slender Bee Flies
Subfamily Bombyliinae - True Bee Flies
Subfamily Lomatiinae - Long-wings Bee Flies
Subfamily Anthracinae
Tribe Anthracini - Black Bee Flies
Tribe Exoprosopini - Stout Bee FliesTribe Villini - Banded Bee FliesOther subfamilies
Back to Top |
|
|