If you feel unable to identify the major groups that I have outlined in the following section, just recording whether the visitor is a bee or a fly is very helpful. Please study the following diagram to differentiate between bees and flies.
Printable guide to bees vs. flies
Some general guidelines (there are exceptions!)
Wings
Bees have four (two sets)
Bumblebee – Bombus sp.
Flies have two (one set)
Bee fly – Bombylius sp.
At rest, bees’ wings are folded into their bodies
Andrena erigeniae on Claytonia virginica
Flies’ wings are out, or at an angle to their bodies
Eyes
Bees’ eyes are more on the side of their head
Andrena erigeniae on Claytonia virginica
Flies’ eyes are more in front
Syrphid fly
Pollen
Bees (the females) collect and carry loads of pollen
Andrena erigeniae on Claytonia virginica
Flies have only dustings of pollen on their bodies.
