These very large flies have a very distinctive appearance, being covered in dense hair and having a tapered abdomen. In addition to the hairy body, the eyes and legs are usually very large and conspicuous.
Adult flies are large and robust, often with distinctive eyes and hair that resembles ""beards"" below their mouth. These insects typically appear very hairy. They are known to attack bees foraging in flowers and are sometimes called ""bee flies"".
These insects undergo complete metamorphosis, meaning they pass from egg, to larva, to pupa, and then adult. The immature stages are called larva and found in burrows underground. They often feed on other immature insects. After pupating and emerging as adults, they reside above ground where they hunt for prey.
Bees, flies, wasps, other insects.
Adults can be found flying around meadows and fields in search of prey. Often prey are caught mid air, but sometimes are snagged off of plants.
Not known to feed on floral resouces.
Most states coast to coast between Canada and Mexico.
Native.
Common.
5-20 mm.
Brown, tan, gray, yellow, black.