Laphria flavicollis
Say, 1824
Black-tailed Laphria
Laphria flavicollis is a of in the . It is recognized as a mimic, using its appearance to deceive both and . The species has been documented in deciduous woodland and is known to occur in the eastern United States. It belongs to a noted for particularly effective of bumble bees.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Laphria flavicollis: //ˈlæf.ɹi.ə ˌflæv.ɪˈkoʊ.lɪs//
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Identification
Distinguished from other -mimicking by its thick ; Mallophora have thin antennal . Distinguished from actual bumble bees by : Laphria flies more directly between perches without the hovering, nectar-seeking behavior of . Distinguished from fly mimics by larger size and predatory perching behavior.
Images
Habitat
Deciduous woods; observed along woodland edges and paved trails near wooded areas
Distribution
Eastern United States; documented in Vermont, Kansas, and Illinois
Seasonality
Active in spring and early summer; observed in May in Illinois and Kansas
Diet
Predatory; has been observed feeding on small flying . Like other Laphria , likely captures in after spotting from a perch.
Behavior
Perches on vegetation to spot ; captures small flying in mid-air and returns to a perch to feed. pattern is more direct than that of , which it mimics.
Ecological Role
Aerial ; contributes to regulation of small . Its may reduce pressure from vertebrate predators while allowing close approach to .
Human Relevance
Subject of interest for and naturalists due to its convincing ; no documented economic or medical significance
Similar Taxa
- MallophoraAlso -mimicking , but distinguished by thin antennal versus thick in Laphria
- BombusActual ; distinguished by hovering at flowers, feeding on nectar, and less direct flight pattern
- Syrphidae include mimics, but are generally smaller, have different , and lack the predatory perching of
More Details
Mimicry effectiveness
The serves dual purposes: avoid the assuming it can , while (particularly ) allow close approach believing the fly is a harmless seeking nectar
Taxonomic note
described by Thomas Say in 1824, an early who described numerous North American