There are bee-like flies and fly-like bees. We are taught how to spot the difference. In this case the fly is at the forefront, the bumblebee behind.
Bee, Fly or Wasp? excerpt from Common Bees of Southern BC PDF : Learn more
Flies
◆ 2 wings
◆ Short, thick antennae
◆ Ski-goggle eyes
◆ Thick waist/chunky body ◆ No pollen collecting
hairs
Wasps, Hornets, Yellow Jackets
◆ 4 wings
◆ Long antennae
◆ Very narrow waist, often
narrow body
◆ Spindly, hooked legs
◆ No pollen collecting hairs
Bees
◆ 4 wings
◆ Antennae long & elbowed ◆ Usually hairy
◆ Female has special pollen
collecting hairs (scopa) or
pollen basket (corbicula) ◆ Rounder body than wasp
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Need some help with ID? Linda Gilkeson, who teaches many of our MGs, has excellent information on her website Learn More
We highly recommend her book
Thompson Shuswap Master Gardeners have an excellent collection of photos Click Here
Invasive Species Council of BC Learn More