What Are the Bugs That Look Like Bees

Some examples of bee mimics described are hover flies, bee flies, yellowjackets, hornets, paper wasps and hummingbird moths. Everyone knows that bees love to visit flowers, but not everything you see visiting flowers or buzzing around the garden is a bee.

What insect looks like a bee but isn t?

Hover flies are true flies, but they look like small bees or wasps. They are the helicopters of the insect world, often seen hovering in the air, darting a short distance, and then hovering again. These beneficial insects are valuable tools in the fight against aphids, thrips, scale insects, and caterpillars.

Why do hover flies land on you?

They’re called hover flies. While they look like bees to fend off predators, often nicknamed “sweat bees”, it turns out they’re completely harmless. Experts said in dry years, these insects may land on us to gather a drink of sweat. Other than that, they’re excellent pollinators for plants.