Laphria coquillettii
McAtee, 1919
Coquillett's Bee Killer
A robber fly in the Asilidae, Laphria coquillettii is a mimic that occurs in North America. Like other members of its , it exhibits of bumble bees (Bombus spp.), gaining protection from while also using its -like appearance to approach prey. The was described by McAtee in 1919.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Laphria coquillettii: //ˈlæf.ri.ə koʊˌkwɪˈljɛt.i.aɪ//
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Identification
A -mimicking robber fly with dense, pale to golden covering most of the body. Distinguished from other Laphria by antennal and facial characters; are thick (not thin at the tip, unlike Mallophora). The overall appearance closely resembles Bombus or queens, with a robust, hairy and .
Habitat
Woodland edges and forested areas with access to sunlit perches.
Distribution
North America; specific range details are poorly documented in available sources.
Behavior
Perches on vegetation to ambush flying prey. Has been observed capturing small flying beetles in mid-air, returning to a perch to feed. The mimicry serves dual purposes: deterring that avoid stinging insects, and allowing closer approach to flower-visiting prey.
Ecological Role
Aerial of small flying insects.
Human Relevance
None documented.
Similar Taxa
- Laphria thoracicaSimilar mimic, but L. thoracica has more extensive black markings on the and different antennal proportions.
- Mallophora fautrixAnother mimic, but Mallophora have distinctly thin terminal antennal segments (flagellomeres), whereas Laphria has uniformly thick .
- Mallophora bomboidesDistinguished by the thin antennal segments; Laphria has thick throughout.