For sharper photos of this species see my other entries. This one does, however, clearly show the wing markings that distinguish B. diegoensis from B. major, the only other Bombylius species known from my neck of the woods. Males appear black with a white tail. The white fringing on the thorax is an artifact of using a flash in taking the picture.

Identification of this species is based on a field guide to southern Los Angeles bee flies published by the Palos Verdes/South Bay Audubon Society, in 1989, prepared by Rick Rogers. The field guide contains drawings of 23 species. I hope to have an updated version of this guide posted to the Audubon web site in the near future.