Bee Flies (Bombyliidae)
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They are a fairly large family that divides into a variety of subfamilies and genera.
In addition to their resemblence to bees, many Bombyliidae species are also characterized by an extended proboscis, which is used for nectaring on flowers rather than stinging people.
The top picture shows a member of the Bombylius genus, perhaps Bombylius major, the greater bee fly.
The fuzzy bee like body and sword-like proboscis represent the typical bee fly image.
© 2007 Patricia A. Michaels