Sunday, July 28, 2013

For the Adults

On June 5, I was on my deck, grilling on my Weber gas grill, and heard some buzzing.  I looked down, and this is what I saw.  Yes, I'm a little tardy with this post.  Does anyone recognize what species these creatures might be (i'm not even sure if they are bees or bee mimics), and what exactly we're seeing here?  I mean, I know what's happening, but I'd like to know the names of the parts and how everything works.... Help!

...edited:  Maybe this photo will help with an ID?  They sure look like flies that look like bees...



-Tom
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6 comments:

  1. DenPro7/29/2013 12:37:00 AM

    Tom, It's a fly for sure. Look at that black knob on the face, followed by a thin wire, typical fly antennae. The face is wrong for a Robber Fly, the eyes wrong for a Bot Fly. Both have Bumble Bee mimics in the group. I suspect it is a Syrphid or Hover Fly.

    I'll give a guess that it's Merodon equestris, the Bulb Fly introduced from Europe on Narcissus flowers. They are very loud buzzers. Their color pattern varies, so it remains a guess.

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    1. DenPro7/29/2013 12:46:00 AM

      here is a link

      http://bugguide.net/node/view/186696

      Delete
    2. Tom Arbour7/29/2013 09:29:00 PM

      Dennis- Thanks a bunch- I think you've nailed it!

      Delete
  2. JRandSue7/29/2013 12:21:00 PM

    I think they are Scuttle Flies.
    John.

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  3. Unknown8/01/2013 07:10:00 AM

    OMG, I had to share this with my sister on FB, she is so afraid of bees. Even though it's a fly it sure sounds like a bee too. Great video Tom!

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    1. Tom Arbour8/02/2013 03:05:00 PM

      Lisa- If I remember correctly, it was the loud buzzing that got me to look down. If not for that audible noise, I could have stepped on them!

      Delete

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