December 10, 2020

I am a Northern Plushback

I'm a type of Flower Fly

I look like a bee, but I don't sting

But predators pass me right by.

As described in the article referenced below, many butterflies and other flies mimic "...unrelated harmful species as a form of protection from predators."

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://entomology.ces.ncsu.edu/2015/06/hoverflies-bee-mimics-provide-pollination-and-biocontrol-services

Photo and text © 2020 Dee Fairbanks Simpson