Laphria royalensis
(Bromley, 1950)
A of robber fly in the Laphria, known for effective mimicry. 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 flies that hunt other insects in .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Laphria royalensis: /ˈlæf.ri.ə roʊˈjæl.ən.sɪs/
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Identification
Distinguished from Mallophora, another -mimicking robber fly , by having thick (Mallophora has a thin terminal segment on the antennae) and a generally hairier body. Laphria are considered among the most realistic bumble bee mimics in North American Diptera. Specific diagnostic features for L. royalensis relative to are not documented in available sources.
Images
Behavior
Exhibits distinct from actual bumble bees: flies 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 terminal antennal segment and generally less hairy body versus Laphria's thick and hairier appearance.