Category: Flies
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Everything You Need to Know About Bombyliidae Flies
Bombyliidae Bee flies: masterful mimics and ecological contributors Overview The Bombyliidae, commonly known as bee flies, constitute a diverse family of true flies (Diptera) renowned for their bee-like appearance. This mimicry, often a form of Batesian mimicry, serves as a defense mechanism against predators. With over 5,000 described species and many more awaiting classification, bee… Read more
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Everything You Need to Know About Hoverflies (Syrphidae)
Syrphidae The hoverflies that mimic bees and support ecosystems Overview Syrphidae, commonly known as hoverflies or flower flies, is a large family of flies comprising over 6,000 species worldwide. They are renowned for their ability to hover in place and for their striking mimicry of bees and wasps. Though they resemble stinging insects, hoverflies are… Read more
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Everything You Need to Know About the Drone Fly (Eristalis tenax)
Eristalis tenax The hoverfly that mimics bees and supports pollination Overview Eristalis tenax is a species of hoverfly from the Syrphidae family, commonly known as the drone fly or flower fly. It closely resembles a honeybee, which is a classic case of Batesian mimicry—gaining protection from predators by imitating a more dangerous species. Despite its… Read more