There are believed to be over 200 species of bee-flies (family Bombyliidae) in California who, despite their bee-like appearance and formidable needle-like proboscis, are completely harmless to humans. Their larvae, however, are not harmless and are well known parasitoids of other insects such as beetles, wasps and solitary bees. With extremely high wing speed and agility the bee-fly can generate lift on both the downstroke and upstroke allowing them to hover in mid-air with ease while they sip nectar or pose for the camera.
