Yan Bingwu (Chinese, B. 1954) & Yang Wenqing (Chinese, B. 1951) "Flower Fly" Signed lower left. Watercolor on Silk/Rice Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting originally appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the 33¢ Flower Fly Classic Collection Series stamp issued October 1, 1999. Belonging to the Syrphidae family, Flower Flies are classified into some 285 different genera of closely related species. Ranging in size from 4mm to over 25mm, these conspicuous insects range in color from bright orange or yellow, to gray or black, including a few iridescent forms. Although they're harmless, many Flower Flies resemble stinging wasps and bees. Scientists believe this coloration, known as Batesian mimicry, exists because it serves as an effective deterrent to predators. The uncanny resemblance of some Flower Flies to bees has been noted since ancient times. The story of Samson and the lion in the Old Testament, and the writings of Aristotle and Ovid, mention bees breeding in decaying carcasses. Today, scientists believe this was a classic case of mistaken identity. Although bees never incubate in such a manner, some varieties of Flower Flies do. Abundant on flowers, as their name implies, Flower Flies are pollinators of major importance. Flower Flies live entirely on nectar and honeydew they suck up through their extended proboscises. Agile fliers, they hover when feeding. Gliding rapidly from side to side, Flower Flies are able to quickly move up or down to adjust their position. Image Size: 13.75 x 12.25 in. Overall Size: 14.75 x 12.25 in. Unframed. (B16504)