Greater Bee-fly

Name: Greater Bee-fly

Scientific name: Bombylius major

Category: Minibeasts

Nature Stars: 50

What are nature stars?

About: A bumblebee-like fly, with a long straight proboscis that it uses to feed on nectar from spring flowers such as primrose. Flies in the early spring, when can often be seen in sunny patches. About 1cm long. Bee-flies buzz when they fly.

How to identify: There are 9 species of bee-fly in the UK, which can be very difficult to tell apart. This is the largest and commonest species.

Where: Widespread. Look for the long proboscis in the Spring as it hovers near flowers sipping nectar.

Natural Superpowers

• Predator: 30
• Agility: 70
• Rarity: 40
• Cute factor: 40
• Traveller: 50

Fantastic fact: The larvae are nest parasites of ground-nesting bees, feeding on the bee grubs.

Photograph credit: Photo credit tbc