Posted by syrphus on 07-06-2006 08:05
#1
I wonder if someone might advise on the attached picture of a small fly, please. It seems similar to Eustalomyia festiva, and is very common in solitary bee colonies in the Inverness area. This one is standing on top of an Andrena barbilabris nest. The Eustalomyia festiva larva is said to feed off flies stored by solitary wasps, but this species definitely follows female bees (Halictus as well as Andrena) into their nests, and I wonder if it feeds on the bee larvae. I would welcome any comments on the ID or the behaviour.
Regards.
Murdo Macdonald
Chairman, HBRG
'Tigh nam Beithe'
Strathpeffer
Ross & Cromarty IV14 9ET.
01997 421797
Find out about the new HBRG Bumblebee Atlas at www.hbrg.org.uk.
Edited by syrphus on 02-07-2013 15:39
Posted by Kahis on 07-06-2006 08:14
#2
Leucophora, another genus of kleptoparasitic anthomyiids living in nests of solitary bees in the soil. The adults of this genus are seen mostly in the spring.
Posted by syrphus on 07-06-2006 09:04
#3
Thanks, Kahis, for that astonishly fast reply!
Murdo