Fuzzy Parasite, Pt. 2 - _TNY_0593
The large bee-fly (Bombylius major) - here using that very long proboscis to feed on a common daisy (Bellis perennis) - uses its resemblance to bumblebees to get close to their nests and flick their eggs down into the the nests of bumblebees or solitary bees.
The larvae then hatches and crawl into the nest and feed on the food brought there by the adult bumblebees/bees and also on the grubs themselves.
Do take the time to zoom in on that compound eye - the detail is surprisingly good.
Part 1 here: www.flickr.com/photos/tinyturtle/51243987482/
Fuzzy Parasite, Pt. 2 - _TNY_0593
The large bee-fly (Bombylius major) - here using that very long proboscis to feed on a common daisy (Bellis perennis) - uses its resemblance to bumblebees to get close to their nests and flick their eggs down into the the nests of bumblebees or solitary bees.
The larvae then hatches and crawl into the nest and feed on the food brought there by the adult bumblebees/bees and also on the grubs themselves.
Do take the time to zoom in on that compound eye - the detail is surprisingly good.
Part 1 here: www.flickr.com/photos/tinyturtle/51243987482/