Narcissus Bulb Fly - Merodon equestris

Description

Known as the Large Narcissus Fly or Narcissus Bulb Fly, this hairy bumblebee mimic has many colour forms, allowing it to resemble several species of bumblebee. It has a triangular projection beneath the hind femur.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

Warm sunny sheltered flowery spots and gardens.

When to see it

It is found from April to September, peaking in late May and June.

Life History

It can attack garden bulbs such as Daffodil. Usually however it can be found in the countryside where it breeds on Bluebell bulbs. Whilst the larvae take up to 300 days to grow, once hatched the adult only lives for 5 - 24 days.

UK Status

Frequent over much of Britain.

VC55 Status

Quite frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015

UK Map

Species profile

Common names
Greater Bulb-Fly
Species group:
Hoverflies
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Diptera
Family:
Syrphidae
Records on NatureSpot:
176
First record:
18/06/2005 (Nicholls, David)
Last record:
09/07/2023 (Harding, Ian)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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