Laphria royalensis
(Bromley, 1950)
A of in the Laphria, known for effective . As with other Laphria species, this exhibits of bumble bees, with a hairy body and thick distinguishing it from similar mimics in the genus Mallophora. The species belongs to a group of predatory that hunt other in .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Laphria royalensis: /ˈlæf.ri.ə roʊˈjæl.ən.sɪs/
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Identification
Distinguished from Mallophora, another -mimicking , by having thick (Mallophora has a thin on the antennae) and a generally hairier body. Laphria are considered among the most realistic bumble bee mimics in North . Specific diagnostic features for L. royalensis relative to are not documented in available sources.
Images
Behavior
Exhibits distinct from actual : directly between flowers without feeding, in contrast to the slower, more erratic flight pattern of genuine bumble bees.
Similar Taxa
- MallophoraBoth are effective mimics but are not closely related; distinguished by Mallophora's thin antennal and generally less hairy body versus Laphria's thick and hairier appearance.