Posted by Cor Zonneveld on 17-04-2007 19:52
#1
I have seen this little fly several years on my 'bee hotel' (a slice of a tree with small holes drilled into it, creating nesting opportunities for various bees). I'm quite sure it parasitises on the food or larvae of the bee
Osmia rufa, the main occupant of the rooms provided. The fly is slow, sitting on the wood or close to it, and occasionally enters the holes. If a bee notices this fly, they react furiously. According to my bee-book, this might be
Cacoxenus indigator. Can any one confirm this? And what family belongs it to?
On one picture you can see pollen on the wings of the fly, testimony of its trespassing into others property!
Location: Amstelveen, The Netherlands, in my garden.
Fly size: approx 4 mm.
Date: April 17th.
Thanks!
Cor
Edited by Cor Zonneveld on 17-04-2007 19:56
Posted by Cor Zonneveld on 17-04-2007 19:53
#2
here's a side view. The strange colors of the legs are surely spurious, effects of lighting condition.