Merodon equestris – Despite the poor June weather here, this hoverfly decided to pay a visit. A very sprightly darter about the place fly it was, too. It is a bumblebee mimic, and comes in many varied forms which allows it to mimic different species of bee.
Double-click image for a closer look.
Great shot! I had an encounter with one of them yesterday. They make me nuts with their different “costumes” 😉
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Thank you! Yes, their costumes are quite varied 🙂
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A very good mimic and a very good shot.
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Thank you, David!
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Wow. I’d never have pegged this as a hoverfly. Do you have any idea where the “narcissus” part of the common name comes from?
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The narcissus come from the larva feeds on bulbs like narcissus and blubells. It is also called simpy the Greater Bulb Fly.
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I enjoy seeing mimic flies. Nice capture, Pete!
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Thank you, Belinda!
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Love the detail in text and pic and the unravelling of nature’s ploys. The mimicry guise must be a useful tool for little critters getting to places and nectaries reserved for authentic visitors?
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Thank you, Liz! Yes the mimicry fools would be predators and makes them think twice before attacking.
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I like that sheen on this little fella!
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Amazing!
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Thank you!
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I have seen some flower flies (as we call them) but this one seems difficult to determine, with so many variations in color. However, it should be common with us as well.
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The distinct bend in the wing helps readily identify it from other other similar flies.
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Believe it or not, today it appeared in my garden! I also managed to capture it with tha camera. Had never recognized it without your photo. Thanks so much!
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Wow! That is fabulous, Hans! Pleased my blog post helped in your id! 🙂
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Nature never fails to amaze me! I’d never heard of this little fellow either.
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Great shot Pete! Loved the details.
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Thank you, Art!
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If I would have spotted that in and out of my flowers I would have sworn blind it was a type of bee. You’re a wizard of IDing species, Pete.
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Thank you, Jill. They can indeed throw you. I do submit sightings to iRecord, which helps for confirmation.
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