Red spotted parasite fly and other sightings

The red spotted parasite fly (Eriothrix rufomaculata) is not an attractive name, nor is its hairy abdomen appealing, though it is fascinating. They feed on flowers, especially Umbelliferae, but the larvae is parasitic, developing inside the subterranean larvae of moths.

It’s been a wet few weeks. I’ve got a whole load of photos on my phone that I’m keen to share below.

Above: Red tailed bumble bee (Bombus lapidarius).

Above: buff-tailed bumble bee (Bombus terrestris)

Common carder bee (Bombus pascuorum)

And another common carder bee.

Western honey bee below (Apis mellifera).

Probably a migrant overfly below (Eupeodes corollae).