An Encounter With The Bee flies (BOMBYLIIDAE)

Bee fly, Anthrax sp. (BOMBYLIIDAE)

Bee flies are also known as Humbleflies

 

As I was making my ascent unto the rocky mountain trail of Maleha last weekend, a large, dark colored insect speedily darted unto my path and then began to hover before it landed on the rocks. I was quite cautious to check out the hovering insect as it might be a hornet or a bumble bee. But my curiosity led me to check out where it had landed and carefully took some photos. 

It looks like a large bee! It has two distinct wings like a fly! Its called  a Bee fly (DIPTERA: Bombyliidae). The particular species I encountered is the Anthrax sp. (not the dangerous pathogen) but a true fly that mimics large bees.  

Bombyliidae are large, dark colored flies 4-20mm long that resemble bees (bumblebees) as a form of defense against predatory birds and lizards. These large flies DO NOT STING and poses no threat to humans. The adult flies FEED ON NECTAR and are also reported as important POLLINATORS. The larvae of these insects are parasites of bees and wasps. The female Anthrax cast her eggs unto the entrance of the nest of bees or wasps. Upon hatching, the larvae will find their way inside the nest and begin to feed on the bee or wasp larvae. (That's what you call direct insider feeding!)

The awesome thing that caught my attention is the ability of these dipterans to accelerate and decelerate in mid-air flight. They exhibit superb flight control as they assume hovering position. Wow! A truly awesome aerial exhibition!  

Awesome creature! Awesome Creator!