I most often see bee flies hovering around flowers, or if resting, usually on the ground, on bare soil. They are extremely wary and difficult to approach. No doubt their large compound eyes give them good vision, plus they have that air-motion sensing mechanism that helps the ordinary house fly avoid the swatter. Adult bee flies drink nectar, but the larvae are parasites of beetle larvae as well as the brood of solitary wasps and bees, the hole or burrow-nesting insects. I've heard tales of female bee flies hovering over a hole in the ground, flicking her eggs into the hole. I'm skeptical of these claims. I've often seen female Bombylius sitting in very loose soil, vibrating her butt like mad, so that the dirt is actually thrown outwards (see our Bombylius major pictures). One source says these flies are "gathering sand to coat their eggs", ostensibly to keep them from drying out. Uhm.. ok.

  Many bee flies have boldly patterned wings, but it's their shape that generally tips me off that a specimen is in the Bombyliidae family. The shape is reminiscent of the best swept-wing fighter jets. The relatively short and usually pointed antennae are another clue, along with, of course, that dangerous-looking beak. Good thing these flies don't bite or sting. All in all, a fascinating insect worthy of study. Next springtime, why not take a trip to the woods? You'll find these gals busily gathering nectar from the dandelions along your favorite sunny path. Just watch out for the dog poo.