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Narcissus Bulb Fly

Merodon equestris

The Narcissus Bulb Fly is a special fly that loves to lay its eggs in daffodil bulbs. It helps flowers grow by making sure they are healthy and strong!

Habitat: Gardens

Appearance

The Narcissus Bulb Fly is a fuzzy, stout-bodied insect that strongly resembles a bumblebee, with black and yellow or orange bands across its abdomen. It has a large head with small antennae and clear wings, which helps distinguish it from true bees.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderDipteraFamilySyrphidaeGenusMerodon
Narcissus Bulb Fly
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Narcissus Bulb Fly

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

A single female Narcissus Bulb Fly can lay over one hundred eggs in her short adult life!

Their babies are tiny grubs that can spend almost a year secretly eating inside flower bulbs!

They are amazing flyers, able to hover perfectly still or even fly backwards and sideways!

They mimic bumblebees to trick hungry birds, even though they can't sting at all!

Special abilities

Ability

Bee Mimicry

Narcissus Bulb Fly has black and yellow patterns that make it look like a bumblebee, which helps them avoid predators.

Ability

Bulb Burrower

Narcissus Bulb Fly larvae can tunnel into plant bulbs, allowing them to feed and grow safely underground.

Ability

Precision Flight

Narcissus Bulb Fly can hover in place or dart swiftly, allowing them to easily access nectar and evade threats.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
18-30 mm
Size
9-16 mm
Lifespan
7-14 days
Flight Speed
15 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Adults sip nectar from flowers, while their larvae eat the insides of plant bulbs.

Age differences: Larvae consume plant bulbs; adults feed on nectar.

Primary Foods

  • Nectar
  • Narcissus bulbs
  • Tulip bulbs
  • Hyacinth bulbs

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

parasitizes

Daffodil

Narcissus pseudonarcissus

Larvae tunnel into and consume bulbs, causing decay.

parasitizes

Common Garden Tulip

Tulipa gesneriana

Larvae can also feed on tulip bulbs, destroying them.

parasitizes

Common Hyacinth

Hyacinthus orientalis

Larvae sometimes target hyacinth bulbs.

eaten by

Great Tit

Parus major

Birds are known predators of adult flies.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

These flies are harmless, so you can watch them without worry!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Narcissus Bulb Fly's wingspan?

18-30 mm

How big is Narcissus Bulb Fly?

9-16 mm

How long does Narcissus Bulb Fly live?

7-14 days

How fast can Narcissus Bulb Fly fly?

15 km/h

What does Narcissus Bulb Fly eat?

Adults sip nectar from flowers, while their larvae eat the insides of plant bulbs.

Where is Narcissus Bulb Fly usually found?

Gardens

How does Narcissus Bulb Fly hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Narcissus Bulb Fly have?

6

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