Laphria affinus
Bee-like Robber Fly
Laphria affinus is a -sized in the , notable as one of several North that exhibit effective . The species shares the with other -mimicking Laphria, distinguished by their dense and body form that closely resembles species. These are predatory as , capturing other 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 by its thick (not thin at the , unlike Mallophora). Within the Laphria, identification to requires examination of specific morphological details including color pattern and ; the species is part of a complex of -mimicking Laphria that share overall body form and dense and black .
Diet
are predatory, capturing other flying . Specific records for L. affinus are not documented in the provided source, though 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 antennal ; Laphria has thick throughout.
- Bombus spp. (bumble bees)Visual mimic; distinguished by dipteran features including single pair of , , and large that nearly meet at the top of the .