Laphria cinerea
(Back, 1904)
Laphria cinerea is a of robber fly in the Asilidae. Members of the Laphria are known for their effective mimicry of bumble bees. The species was described by Back in 1904. As with other asilids, it is presumed to be an active aerial , though specific behavioral observations for this species are limited.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Laphria cinerea: /ˈlæf.ri.ə sɪˈneː.rɪə/
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Identification
Laphria cinerea belongs to a whose members are distinguished from other -mimicking robber flies by their thick (the terminal segment is not thin or elongated). Mallophora, another bumble bee-mimicking genus, has distinctly thin terminal antennal segments and generally hairier bodies. Laphria tend to have more streamlined bodies with less dense setation compared to Mallophora. Specific diagnostic features for L. cinerea versus are not documented in available sources.
Images
Behavior
Members of the Laphria have been observed exhibiting patterns distinct from actual bumble bees—more direct and purposeful, with less of the erratic 'bumbling' movement characteristic of bees. They have been noted to perch on flowers without feeding, presumably as a hunting strategy. Whether L. cinerea specifically shares these is not confirmed.
Similar Taxa
- MallophoraAlso mimics, but distinguished by thin terminal antennal segments and generally hairier bodies
- PromachusLarge robber flies in the same , but lack mimicry and have different body proportions
- MicrostylumExtremely large robber flies with streamlined, nearly hairless bodies and striking ; not mimics