Bombylius major

Nature has its ways of surviving. Surely that Primula is early?

some are further on than others but this one was in a very sheltered spot.

Sbg, this is topical as I was reading about Flies in The Garden magazine yesterday, and centre stage is the Dark-edged bee-fly. Said to announce the arrival of Spring to our gardens and are important for early-flowering plants.
Mind you, the cold and windy weather weather today might just keep it snuggling up warm somewhere . . . :o)

yes we did wonder what it would be doing as we have a little snow today.
the dark edged and greater bee fly are the same critter. it does have dark edges on the leading edge of its wings.

Great close up, Eileen, very interesting info too.