Tiger Bee Fly

Typically found in backyards, woodlands, and gardens near the nests of carpenter bees.

Adults feed on nectar from flowers; larvae are parasitoids of carpenter bee larvae.

They are often seen hovering near wooden structures where carpenter bees nest. The female flicks her eggs into the entrance of a carpenter bee tunnel; the fly larva then finds and consumes the bee larva.

They do not bite or sting and are harmless to humans. They act as a natural biological control for carpenter bee populations, which can be beneficial to homeowners.