July 11, 2025

A Transverse Flower Fly (Eristalis transversa) enjoying the nectar of Gray-headed Coneflowers (Ratibida pinnata). Measuring in at 0.28″ to 0.47″. Though it looks like a bee, it does not sting. Often found hanging out around flowers, which explains its common name.

Flower Flies are energetic fliers, able to beat their wings several hundred times a second, which gives them the ability to hover, dart, zoom and back up in mid-air.

Hmm, the hummingbird of the insect world?

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