Antherophagus ochraceus

Distinguished from similar Antherophagus and other cryptophagid species by its larger size (4-5 mm versus typically smaller), uniform yellow coloration without darker markings, golden pubescence, reduced eye size, and smooth curved pronotum shape.

Adults occur on flowers in open habitats. Larvae develop exclusively within bumblebee nests.

North America. Documented from Canadian provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba.

Adults active from May to September.

Adults feed on pollen and nectar. Larvae consume organic matter within bumblebee nests including honey, bee feces, and comb debris.

• Bombus - phoresy and nesting siteAdults attach to legs, mouthparts, or antennae of bumblebees to be transported to nests; larvae develop in nests

Eggs are laid in bumblebee nests. Larvae develop within the nest, feeding on nest debris. Pupation and adult emergence occur within the nest or after dispersal.

Adults engage in phoresy, clamping onto bumblebees with their mandibles and remaining attached until the bee returns to its nest. Adults are found on flowers where they interact with bumblebees.

Commensal inhabitant of bumblebee nests; larvae contribute to decomposition of organic matter within nests.

• Other Antherophagus speciesA. ochraceus distinguished by larger size and uniform yellow coloration; congeners typically smaller and often with darker patterning
• Other CryptophagidaeMost cryptophagids are smaller than 4 mm and lack the combination of large size, entirely yellow body, and golden pubescence

• phoresy
• bumblebee associate
• pollen feeder
• nest commensal

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy