Merodon equestris

Merodon equestris, or the large bulb fly, is a flower fly that looks remarkably like a bumble bee. This one has pollen covering its body. The adult can be found from April through July and feeds on nectar. The larva feeds on plant bulbs and overwinters as a late-stage larva before pupating in the spring. 

Order: Diptera
Family: Syrphidae
Species: Merodon equestris

Photograph: © 2016 RKD Peterson
Date of Photograph: 14 July 2016
Location: Montana, Gallatin Co.