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As explained in my previous postings I recently returned from co-leading my annual tour to Bulgaria where my main role is as a Botanist, though I can never resist looking for interesting insects! As I have pointed out in previous years there always seems to be a lot of Bombylids in evidence though (as a non-Dipteran specialist) my impression from previous years is that this is not a particularly popular family!

This large species (body length 17mm, distance between wing tips 35mm) was caught beside the Struma River at Novo Hodzhovo on 23 July 2015. Any suggestions as to its identification would be very greatly appreciated as always.

Many thanks

Alan