that females with mature oocytes in their ovaries and females with oocytes in the stage of vitellogenesis have strongly dilated crops. Adult B.canescens are found among parasitic guilds, which include other Bombyliidae flies at aggregations of bee nests. The flies hover over bee nests to position themselves for oviposition. Females achieve oviposition into bee nests by a sudden jerk or flick of the abdomen. The mobile parasitic larvae that are oviposited into the nest initially feed on provisions meant for bee larvae, then hypermetamorphosise into carnivores. Interactions with other species Bombylius canescens have been observed targeting bees as host species across the Lasioglossum, Andrena, Halictus and Odynerus genera. Adults have also been observed searching for nests of Panurgus banksianus, a potential host species. Physiology Bombylius canescens specimens were studied in a study of cranial physiology done on Brachycera flies. Observations from the specimen guided the conclusion that the mushroom body calyx is well developed in flies of the order Bombyliidae. Conservation Bombylius canescens has not been assigned a threat rating by the IUCN. References Bombyliidae Insects described in 1796 Asilomorph flies of Europe