Bee to ID - Merodon equestris

Photo

Take a look at my photo of a bee's head next to a fly's I have recentely posted. I thought that would be useful to help people out. Click here to see it.

… Matthew Roth, 1 June, 2005 - 7:51am

Smile, you're on Candid Camera!

Sorry, Kildale, you have been fooled succesfully. Not just once but twice!

Both images you posted are of Merodon equestris, the syrphid from flower bulbs. It is uncanny how they immitate (bumble) bees, both in behaviour and in looks. One thing you may keep in mind: when you hear them flying, the sound is much higher that of the (bumble) bees.

Paul

http://www.diptera.info

… Paul Beuk, 1 June, 2005 - 12:45am

Merodon.

There is another genus of syrphids in the Northwest that looks an awful lot like Merodon, and at least one species has a very similar color combination. Might be Criorhina I am thinking of, not positive. I know if you go up to a pretty high elevation you can get a HUGE species of Criorhina that is a really scarily convincing bumble bee mimic:-) Just want to let Kildale to know that shooting similar flies in different habitats could yield different species.

… Eric R. Eaton, 1 June, 2005 - 1:14pm

Look at vein R4+5

In Merodon R4+5 dips into the cell below, whereas it is virtually straight in Criorhina. In most images it is quite well visible.

Paul

http://www.diptera.info

… Paul Beuk, 2 June, 2005 - 4:47am

Bee ID

Thanks Paul. I never get things right, but then I don't have to much in the way of books for insects etc. Probably 30 on wildflowers but insects are new to me. Have 1 book though.

… Kildale, 1 June, 2005 - 1:03am

A syrphid fly.

It is not a bee.

… Adalbert Goertz, 24 August, 2005 - 9:59pm