Merodon

walwyn Sun, 05/08/2011 - 18:06
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Merodon equestris, hoverfly, mimic bee, Syrphidae
Merodon sp.

 

This is a large genus of bee mimicing hoverflies. There are about 50 European species mostly centred in the Mediterranean region. However, the variable Narcissus-fly (Merodon equestris) is the only species resident in Britain.

 

The larvae of these species burrow into bulbs which they eat for about 300 days before emerging.

 

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