thorfly

Thorfly is a common name for insects belonging to the family Bombyliidae. These are also known as bee flies. They are a diverse group of flies, with over 7,000 described species worldwide. Thorflies are characterized by their stout, hairy bodies, often resembling bees, and their long, slender proboscis used for feeding. Their coloration can vary, but many are brown, gray, or black, with patterns that can mimic bees or wasps, serving as a form of mimicry to deter predators.

The larvae of thorflies are typically parasitic or predatory, often developing in the nests of other insects like bees and wasps, or in the egg sacs of spiders. Adult thorflies are important pollinators, visiting a wide variety of flowers to feed on nectar. Their fuzzy bodies are effective at picking up and distributing pollen. They are generally considered harmless to humans, as they do not bite or sting. Their flight patterns are often described as hovering or darting, similar to hummingbirds, which also contributes to their pollination role. Thorflies are found in a variety of habitats, from grasslands and deserts to forests.