Seems like every non-entomologist I know in Tucson (including my husband) thinks these flies are bees and totally lose their minds when they end up indoors:

Giant bee-mimic fly in my house! That's Copestylum isabellina, according to the fine folks at BugGuide.net

I have seen a number of otherwise calm, rational people completely panic and either a) start running around hysterically (sometimes screaming a bit) because one of these flies was “chasing them” or b) curl up into the fetal position, apparently hoping that they will spontaneously achieve telepathy and convince the fly to leave.  Attention all Tucsonans: it’s a harmless fly!  If you don’t know how to tell the difference, check out my Monday post for the things to look for to be sure.

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