Bee fly (Systoechus sp) possibly ctenopterus

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Photographs shot at the edge of the ancient city of Praisos, on Crete. Both images taken with settings: f/6.3, 1/2000 sec, ISO 400

Ancient city of Praisos on Crete

Bee fly (Systoechus sp) possibly ctenopterus

Bee flies are members of the Diptera (flies) order. They are in the Bombyliidae family.

Some are very bee-like, hence the name given to the whole group.

The Systoechus species are some of the bee-like ones, having a buff-coloured body and a habit of hovering in flight. When at rest, the wings do not fold like bee wings.

The adults are nectar feeders, the young are parasites on the eggs and larvae of other insects.

This one was feeding on wayside flowers and it took a lot of shots to get a couple it moving or simply flying away.

If anyone can confirm it’s ctenopterus, or some other species, please let me know,

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