Monday, May 18, 2015

A bee fly

As far as I can tell, this is some kind of bee fly. My extensive quick and dirty internet research tells me that there are hundreds of species of bee fly and that they are common throughout most of the world. I saw this one resting on a wild orchid flower out on the vineyard road.

I think the flower is a variety of wild orchid.

It was early morning so I imagine the fly hadn't warmed up enough to move quickly. Lucky for me as I was able to get close with the camera without it flying away.
Posted by wcs at 08:30
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8 comments:

  1. chm18 May, 2015 08:34

    It looks as though she was laying eggs into the flower? Nice photo. Love orchids.

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  2. Susan18 May, 2015 09:28

    Bee fly is correct. I can't be sure from the photo exactly what species or sex. The orchid is Greater Butterfly Orchid. The fly probably spent the night on the orchid and may have a 'tongue' long enough to access the orchid's nectar if it is lucky. These orchids are aiming to attract insects with even longer 'tongues' like certain moths. The fly is not laying eggs. They lay eggs by flicking them onto the ground near solitary bee nest holes. The larvae are parasites of solitary bees.

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  3. Le Pré de la Forge18 May, 2015 09:40

    The Bee-fly always remins me of Gonzo from the Muppets....
    great pic, btw.

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  4. Moving with Mitchell18 May, 2015 12:23

    I have never heard of or seen (or at least noticed) a bee fly before. What an amazing first look. Thanks.

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  5. Seine Judeet (Judith)18 May, 2015 14:56

    haaaaa haaaa:)
    Adorable photos of Callie :)

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  6. Evelyn18 May, 2015 15:23

    I increased my knowledge of bee flies 100% today thanks to your blog, Walt! Another great photo btw.

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  7. wcs19 May, 2015 08:11

    chm, I hadn't thought of that, but apparently it's not the case.

    susan, yes, the fly hadn't warmed up enough to make a quick getaway. The plant was still shaded from the morning sun.

    tim (or pauline?), I remember Gonzo! My favorite was Grover.

    mitch, I didn't know what it was either, until I looked it up. Oh, the power of the internet!

    judy, I think your comment migrated over from Ken's blog! ;)

    evelyn, thanks!

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  8. C in California20 May, 2015 17:06

    Amazing phot Walt!

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