David Element

Wildlife Photography

and Digital Video Images

____________________ Flies 4 - Robberflies, Bee-flies

                                 HORNET ROBBERFLY Asilus crabroniformis

                    VIOLET BLACK-LEGGED ROBBERFLY Dioctria atricapilla

                                            GREATER BEE-FLY Bombylius major

                                            HEATH BEE-FLY Bombylius minor

                                 MOTTLED BEE-FLY Thyridanthrax fenestratus

                                                       BEE-FLY Villa modesta

• These representatives of two of the major fly families have been selected because of their distinctive features. Many flies require microscopic examination in order to identify them to species level. The Hornet Robberfly is classified as Nationally Scarce and the Mottled Bee-fly is classified as RDB 3, i.e. Rare. The Heath Bee-fly is an even more significant rarity in the UK with a limited distribution in the south. The requirements of these species are being studied as part of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. It is no coincidence that these uncommon species have strong associations with heathland, perhaps one of the most threatened habitats in Europe. Villa modesta was photographed in the Loire Valley, France

RECOMMENDED WEBSITES:

Links to 'ARKive' species accounts:

• For further information about the Hornet Robberfly use the following link: http://www.arkive.org/species/ARK/invertebrates_terrestrial_and_freshwater/Asilus_crabroniformis/

• For further information about the Mottled Bee-fly use the following link: http://www.arkive.org/species/ARK/invertebrates_terrestrial_and_freshwater/Thyridanthrax_fenestratus/

• For further information about the Heath Bee-fly use the following link: http://www.arkive.org/species/ARK/invertebrates_terrestrial_and_freshwater/Bombylius_minor/

-> Flies 1

-> Flies 2

-> Flies 3

-> Flies 5

-> Flies 6

-> Flies 7

-> Flies 8

-> Flies 9

-> Flies 10

-> Flies 11

-> Flies 12

-> Flies 13

-> Flies 14

-> Flies 15

-> Flies 16

-> Flies 17

-> Flies 18

-> Flies 19

-> Flies 20

-> Index, Common Names

-> Index, Scientific Names

-> Site Index

-> Home

© David Element.