Bee-like fly - Narcissus Bulb Fly (Merodon equestris)
Here is another striking fly (Diptera) that looks for all the world like a bee - compare my [Previous] two photos. This fly is a Syrphid Fly (Syrphidae, Diptera), possibly a Narcissus Bulb Fly (Merodon equestris) or kin in the same Eristalini tribe that includes many more bee-mimic flies in the genus Eristalis. It's furry like a bee and even has flattened leg segments like a bee. This one is less colorful than the fly in my [Previous] photo, and it may be that this one is female with eyes that are separated in front whereas the other one is male with eyes that meet in front - but compare this photo at BugGuide. I guess all we can say is that the flies are highly variable. It's my understanding that this fly has been introduced from Europe and is now widespread in North America. HFDF! (Mount Tabor, Portland, Oregon, 30 May 2019)
Bee-like fly - Narcissus Bulb Fly (Merodon equestris)
Here is another striking fly (Diptera) that looks for all the world like a bee - compare my [Previous] two photos. This fly is a Syrphid Fly (Syrphidae, Diptera), possibly a Narcissus Bulb Fly (Merodon equestris) or kin in the same Eristalini tribe that includes many more bee-mimic flies in the genus Eristalis. It's furry like a bee and even has flattened leg segments like a bee. This one is less colorful than the fly in my [Previous] photo, and it may be that this one is female with eyes that are separated in front whereas the other one is male with eyes that meet in front - but compare this photo at BugGuide. I guess all we can say is that the flies are highly variable. It's my understanding that this fly has been introduced from Europe and is now widespread in North America. HFDF! (Mount Tabor, Portland, Oregon, 30 May 2019)