Dotted Bee-fly - Bombylius discolor

Identified by the dark spots at the junctions of wing veins. Body colour: mix of chestnut and black; the female has line of white spots on abdomen. Body length (not including the extended proboscis 8 to 12 mm.

Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed.

Varied habitats including gardens, grasslands, woodland rides and clearings.

Flight time: March to June, most frequent in April.

Bee-flies in the genus Bombylius lay their eggs into the nests of solitary mining bees. Hosts species include Andrena flavipes and Andrena cineraria.

Much less common than Bombylius major it is mainly a species of southern England and the south Wales coast, but is now spreading north and was recorded for the first time Leicestershire (VC55) in 2019.

Rare in Leicestershire and Rutland where it was first recorded in 2019, but may be moving into our area.