Updated bee-fly guide

The recording scheme guide to bee-flies in genus Bombylius (PDF download) has been updated this month to include some extra photos of the Western Bee-fly, Bombylius canescens. The two most common species, Dark-edged Bee-fly and Dotted Bee-fly, have just about finished their flight periods for this year, but Western Bee-fly is flying now and Heath Bee-fly should also be out in July and August. Western Bee-fly is found in various flower-rich open habitats in south-west England and west Wales. Heath Bee-fly is confined to areas of sandy soils in Dorset, and has recently been refound on the Isle of Man. These two species need a close look to tell apart but the guide should help, and reports of either species will of course be welcomed by the recording scheme.