Gespikkelde wolzwever
Bombylius medius
The Gespikkelde wolzwever (Bombylius medius) is a distinctive bee fly characterized by its fuzzy, bear-like appearance and mottled wing patterns that give it its Dutch name meaning 'speckled wool weaver.' This medium-sized dipteran plays a crucial ecological role as both a pollinator of early spring flowers and as a parasitoid of solitary bee larvae, with adults hovering near flowers while their larvae develop within host bee nests.
31
Countries
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Diptera
Family
Bombyliidae
Genus
Bombylius
Gespikkelde wolzwever belongs to the family Bombyliidae, order Diptera, within the Insecta class.
Species Profile
The Gespikkelde wolzwever (Bombylius medius) is a distinctive bee fly characterized by its fuzzy, bear-like appearance and mottled wing patterns that give it its Dutch name meaning 'speckled wool weaver.' This medium-sized dipteran plays a crucial ecological role as both a pollinator of early spring flowers and as a parasitoid of solitary bee larvae, with adults hovering near flowers while their larvae develop within host bee nests.
Bombylius medius faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat loss from agricultural intensification and urban development across its European range. The species is particularly vulnerable to changes in land use that eliminate the flower-rich grasslands and woodland edges it depends on for nectar sources and suitable breeding sites.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Bombylius medius inhabits sandy heathlands, coastal dunes, and open woodland edges where solitary bees nest in exposed soil or sandy banks. The species requires areas with abundant early spring flowers such as primroses and violets, along with suitable nesting sites for its solitary bee hosts.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Endangered
Bombylius medius faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat loss from agricultural intensification and urban development across its European range. The species is particularly vulnerable to changes in land use that eliminate the flower-rich grasslands and woodland edges it depends on for nectar sources and suitable breeding sites.
Agricultural intensification and pesticide use
Loss of flower-rich grasslands and meadows
Urban development and habitat fragmentation
Climate change affecting host plant availability
Decline in traditional extensive farming practices
Found in 31 Countries
Community Sightings
Report a sightingNo community sightings yet. Be the first to report!
Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Gespikkelde wolzwever (Bombylius medius). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/gespikkelde-wolzwever