Laphria affinus
Bee-like Robber Fly
Laphria affinus is a medium-sized robber fly in the Asilidae, notable as one of several North American that exhibit effective mimicry. The species shares the with other -mimicking Laphria, distinguished by their dense pile and robust body form that closely resembles Bombus species. These flies are predatory as , capturing other insects in .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Laphria affinus: //ˈlæf.ri.ə əˈfaɪ.nəs//
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Identification
Laphria affinus can be distinguished from similar -mimicking robber flies by its thick (not thin at the terminal segment, unlike Mallophora). Within the Laphria, identification to requires examination of specific morphological details including color pattern and genitalia; the species is part of a complex of -mimicking Laphria that share overall body form and dense yellow and black pile.
Diet
are predatory, capturing other flying insects. Specific prey records for L. affinus are not documented in the provided source, though robber flies in this group are known to take various hymenopterans and other insects.
Similar Taxa
- Mallophora spp.Also effective mimics, but distinguished by hairier bodies and thin terminal antennal segments; Laphria has thick throughout.
- Bombus spp. (bumble bees)Visual mimic; distinguished by dipteran features including single pair of wings, , and large that nearly meet at the top of the .