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What kind of bee is this #784993

Asked March 24, 2022, 1:35 PM EDT

Found on rosebush early morning, almost thought it's a hummingbird due to long beak

Clackamas County Oregon

Expert Response

Thanks for your observation. Its actually not a bee, but a fly, a bee fly. It has evolved to mimic the appearance of a bee. It is, however, associated with bees and will flick its eggs down ground-nesting bee nests. Their young hatch and eats the developing bee and all the collected pollen. 
https://www.usgs.gov/media/images/bombyliidae-fly-bee-fly
Andony Melathopoulos, Assistant Professor Pollinator Health Extension Department of Horticulture | Oregon State University 4017 Agricultural and Life Science Building | Corvallis, OR 97331-7304 cell: (541) 452-3038 Andony.Melathopoulos@oregonstate.edu oregon bee atlas | oregon bee project | twitter | facebook | instagram | podcast Replied March 25, 2022, 12:15 PM EDT
Thank you 

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Subject: Re: What kind of bee is this (#0054924)
 
The Question Asker Replied March 25, 2022, 5:22 PM EDT

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