John B 22 Posted November 25, 2012 Share Posted November 25, 2012 Hi, I'm finding a lot of black bugs in my hives. They are about 18mm long. They look a lot like a giant mosquito, complete with wings and probiscus. Will try and find a photo of one soon. Does anyone have any idea what insect it could be? The bees seem to happily tolerate them, but my bee suit gets covered (eg: 100 on my suit) whenever I visit the apirary. Failing that, does anyone know of a New Zealand insect identification website? Not just a site of pictures, but something that can help filter results to find the right bug. Thanks Link to post Share on other sites
deejaycee 2,457 Posted November 25, 2012 Share Posted November 25, 2012 What is this bug? | Landcare Research and there's a good library here: T.E.R:R.A.I.N - Taranaki Educational Resource: Research, Analysis and Information Network - Friends of Te Henui (picture based, but orderly enough to scan easily) Link to post Share on other sites
Derek 1,358 Posted November 26, 2012 Share Posted November 26, 2012 Hi, I'm finding a lot of black bugs in my hives. They are about 18mm long. They look a lot like a giant mosquito, complete with wings and probiscus. Does it look anything like the one in this thread? Robber Flies and honey bees | NZ Beekeepers Forum Link to post Share on other sites
Otto 780 Posted November 27, 2012 Share Posted November 27, 2012 In your hives seems a little odd. Description sounds like they could be March Flies (Dilophus nigrostigma). Lots of these around at the moment but have never seen them in hives. PS. If you can supply a photo I should be able to work it out for you. Link to post Share on other sites
John B 22 Posted December 10, 2012 Author Share Posted December 10, 2012 Description sounds like they could be March Flies (Dilophus nigrostigma). Bingo! Here are some photos I got over the weekend. I'll keep a close look out next time to see if they're actually in the hive, or just making their way in when I open the hive. Some of them have a red dot on their back (looks like red propolis) and must be Bibio Hortulanus. Link to post Share on other sites
Otto 780 Posted December 10, 2012 Share Posted December 10, 2012 Females have a red thorax and males are all black:) Link to post Share on other sites
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