Dotted bee-fly  (Bombylius discolor)

Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Biology

Little is known of the life-cycle of this particular species of bee-fly, however it is likely to be similar to that of other members of the genus Bombylius. Gravid females coat their eggs in sand and then flick these at suitable solitary bee nests whilst hovering. The larvae seek out the burrows of their hosts, and develop as parasites on the exterior surface of the host. It is not known where this species pupates(7). The precise hosts of dotted bee-fly larvae are not known, although it is believed that bees of the genus Andrena are likely candidates (3), in particular, the mining bees Andrena flavipes and Andrena cineraria.

Adult bee-flies are 'heralds of spring', emerging during the first warm days of March and April (8). They can be seen hovering around flowers, and are somewhat reminiscent of humming birds (6).

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