Tylecodon cacalioides pollinator approaching

A long-tubed flower of Tylecodon cacalioides is the destined port of call of this horsefly, called Philoliche tumidifacies by entomologists and these days also by botanists interested in zoological partners to pollination arrangements.

The fly feeds from the flowers and pollinates as it moves, prolonging its random itinerary as long as hunger lasts. It flies deftly around the inflorescences, manoeuvring comfortably as this is familiar terrain (Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2015; Leistner, (Ed.), 2000; iNaturalist; Wikipedia).