Small, quick fly - Bombylius albicapillus

Moved

… Ron Hemberger, 30 November, 2007 - 5:18pm

I think this is B. albicapillus. The very dark brown spots on the wing, like ink drops, are characteristic. There are several other S CA spotted-winged Bombylius, but not so profoundly so.

… Andy Calderwood, 30 November, 2007 - 1:44pm

Thanks.

My favorite genus; love to see them in flight.

… Ron Hemberger, 30 November, 2007 - 5:16pm

Bombylius

This one is likely also in the genus Bombylius, related to the golden-brown B. major that has been out in the east for weeks.

… Herschel Raney, 27 April, 2006 - 6:59pm

Never would have made the connection

Thanks. I've seen a couple of what I now know to be B.major. I thought this to be different than mine due to the slightly different size (mine smaller), color and wing pattern (or none).

After checking the site, I'm fairly certain this is B.pygmaeus, which I assume translates into "little chap".

… Ron Hemberger, 27 April, 2006 - 7:48pm

Agree, looks like Bombylius pygmaeus

I think it does look like Bombylius pygmaeus, compare specimens from NC, MA:

I think it has a wide range across North America, but I can't find any extensive information on the Internet.

Patrick Coin
Durham, North Carolina

… Cotinis, 27 April, 2006 - 9:01pm

It's definitely in Canada

Found it listed in a couple collections in Canada and many in U.S., including USNM. Doesn't appear to be in Mexico. Many references call it "large", which seems to fly in the face of "pygmaeus", unless my Latin's faulty. (Quite likely.)

… Ron Hemberger, 27 April, 2006 - 11:50pm

Ron,

this is another one of those obvious names. it looks like a bee but its a fly so they called it a beefly. they are in the Dipteran family Bombylidae

… Omar Fahmy, 27 April, 2006 - 5:54pm

Thanks, Omar

Bee flies give me fits! I don't see where this looks like a bee, particularly in light of many that do. Will probably post some. Also had a soldier fly that looked wasp-like. Egads!

… Ron Hemberger, 27 April, 2006 - 7:50pm

well,

not a bee bee, a bumble bee with the hairy, chunky abdomen

… Omar Fahmy, 27 April, 2006 - 8:39pm

I guess I need to see more B movies

My thoughts quickly go to Honey and ignore Bumble.

… Ron Hemberger, 27 April, 2006 - 11:43pm