Laphria sackeni
(Banks, 1917)
Laphria sackeni is a of robber fly ( Asilidae) in the Laphria. Species in this genus are notable for their effective mimicry of bumble bees (Bombus spp.), a trait that distinguishes them from many other asilid genera. The genus Laphria is characterized by thick , which helps distinguish it from superficially similar genera such as Mallophora. As with other robber flies, L. sackeni is presumably a predatory species, though specific details of its remain poorly documented.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Laphria sackeni: //ˈlæf.ri.ə ˈsæk.ɪ.naɪ//
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Identification
Laphria sackeni can be distinguished from similar -mimicking robber flies by its thick ; the related Mallophora has a thin terminal segment on the antennae and generally hairier bodies. Within Laphria, -level identification requires examination of specific morphological characters not detailed in available sources. The bumble bee mimicry involves black and yellow coloration and a generally robust, hairy appearance that can cause confusion with actual Bombus species in the field.
Images
Similar Taxa
- Mallophora spp.Also mimics bumble bees but has thin terminal antennal segments and hairier bodies
- Bombus spp. (bumble bees)Laphria closely mimic bumble bees in appearance and ; key behavioral differences include direct, purposeful flight without feeding at flowers and lack of pollen-collecting structures