A Specific Bumblebee Mimic, Pt. 3 - _TNY_2207

This fuzzy hoverfly is a Narcissus bulb fly (Merodon equestris), also known as the greater bulb fly, large bulb fly or large Narcissus fly.

 

As you can see, it tries to imitate bumblebees, but not just that - there are several colour forms of this species, imitating different species of bumblebees.

 

Here we have a Merodon equestris validus, which with its all black coat of hair except for a orange tip of the abdomen imitate the red-tailed bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius).

 

Part 1 here: www.flickr.com/photos/tinyturtle/51867941819/

 

Part 2 here: www.flickr.com/photos/tinyturtle/51924775530

 

There are five different named colour forms within this species - plus intermediate forms. Have a look here for one which I believe is a M. equestris narcissi: www.flickr.com/photos/tinyturtle/36061851262/

Done