Course curriculum

    1. Welcome to Bee-flies

      FREE PREVIEW

    2. Bee-flies of the UK

    3. Bee-flies Q&A

    4. Bee-flies and Allies Further Info

About this course

  • £12.50
  • 4 lessons
  • 1 hour of video content

What will be covered during this course?

Aimed at amateur naturalists, biological recorders, wildlife gardeners, conservationists, ecologists and environmental professionals looking to improve their knowledge of UK invertebrates.

  • Learn about the key morphological and behavioural characteristics of bee-flies (Bombyliidae), including their mimicry, hovering flight, and nectar-feeding proboscis.

  • Explore the life cycle of bee-flies and their ecological roles as parasitoids, cleptoparasites, and hyperparasitoids of solitary bees and wasps.

  • Recognise the nine bee-fly species found in mainland UK, including their distinguishing features, habitats, seasonal activity, and how to submit records through Bee-fly Watch.

Natural history tutor

Martin Harvey

Fly Specialist

Martin Harvey is an entomologist and biological recorder based at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology’s Biological Records Centre, where he serves as Data Management and Liaison Officer. He plays a central role in the development of the Pantheon analysis tool, manages the iRecord online recording system, and works closely with national recording schemes and societies. Martin is also part of the team for the UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme. In addition to his professional work, Martin volunteers as organiser of the national Soldierflies and Allies Recording Scheme and serves as County Moth Recorder for Berkshire (vice-county).

Start learning about soldierflies today!

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