Bombyliid

Bombyliid refers to a family of insects commonly known as bee flies. These flies are members of the order Diptera, which means they have only one pair of wings. Bombyliids are characterized by their stout, fuzzy bodies and long, slender proboscis, which they use to feed on nectar from flowers. Their appearance often mimics that of bees or bumblebees, a form of mimicry that likely serves as a defense against predators.

The larvae of bombyliids are often parasitic or predatory, developing in the eggs or larvae of other insects, particularly grasshoppers and moths, or in the nests of solitary bees and wasps. This parasitic lifestyle plays a significant role in regulating populations of their host insects. Adult bee flies are important pollinators, visiting a wide variety of flowers and contributing to plant reproduction.

Bee flies are found worldwide, with the greatest diversity in arid and semi-arid regions. Their flight patterns can be rapid and erratic, and they are often observed hovering near flowers. Despite their sometimes intimidating appearance due to their resemblance to bees, bombyliids are harmless to humans. The family Bombyliidae is large and diverse, with thousands of described species.