Bee Fly
Poecilognathus
Observed in Devils Canyon, Pinal Co., Arizona, USA. 20 June 2012. This one is on flowers of Bear Grass (Nolina microcarpa).
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Bee flies of many kinds are a familiar site in Arizona's sycamore woodlands alighting in sunny spots on the ground or visiting flowers. This species is less likely to be seen because it is quite small, about 8mm. The very long proboscis looks menacing, but is strictly for reaching nectar deep inside floral tubes. The immature stage, a larva, is likely a parasite of a ground nesting solitary bee.