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A Variable Bumblebee Mimic - _TNY_8014

Say hello to a female Narcissus bulb fly (Merodon equestris), also known as the greater bulb fly, large bulb fly or large Narcissus fly.

 

The name(s) come(s) from the larvae being a pest on the bulbs of Amaryllidaceae, especially Narcissus. Adults feed on pollen and nectar - which is what this one was doing on a dandelion (Taraxacum ruderalia) not far from my house.

 

As you can see, this is a bumblebee mimic - but an advanced one at that. There are actually several colour forms which each imitate the appearance of different kinds of bumblebees.

 

There are five different named colour forms within this species - plus intermediate forms. I have not photographed all of them, but here are a couple:

 

www.flickr.com/photos/tinyturtle/51924775530/

 

www.flickr.com/photos/tinyturtle/36500086183/

 

www.flickr.com/photos/tinyturtle/36061851262/

 

 

 

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Uploaded on May 18, 2023
Taken on June 6, 2022