Flies in the genus Bombylius are very common in the yard. They are difficult to identify to species, since there are so many of them (278) and many are similar in appearance. Their larvae are parasitoids of ground-nesting bee larvae. The females shoot eggs at, or near, nest entrances. Adults nectar at flowers, and the females are obligate pollen feeders, using the pollen to nourish developing eggs.
Flies in the genus Bombylius are very common in the yard. They are difficult to identify to species, since there are so many of them (278) and many are similar in appearance. Their larvae are parasitoids of ground-nesting bee larvae. The females shoot eggs at, or near, nest entrances. Adults nectar at flowers, and the females are obligate pollen feeders, using the pollen to nourish developing eggs.
