Laphria winnemana
McAtee, 1919
Laphria winnemana is a of robber fly in the Asilidae, described by McAtee in 1919. The Laphria is noted for species that are effective mimics of bumble bees (Bombus), a trait that distinguishes this group within the Asilidae. As a member of the robber flies, this species is presumed to be an active aerial . Specific ecological and behavioral details for L. winnemana remain poorly documented in published literature.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Laphria winnemana: /læˈfriːə ˈwɪnɪmænə/
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Identification
Laphria are distinguished from other robber fly by their robust, hairy bodies that closely resemble bumble bees. Within Laphria, L. winnemana would be differentiated from by specific morphological characters established in McAtee's 1919 original description, though these diagnostic features are not readily accessible in the provided sources. Laphria species can be separated from the superficially similar -mimicking genus Mallophora by their thicker, non-tapered antennal terminal segments (Mallophora has thin terminal antennal segments) and generally less dense body hair.
Similar Taxa
- MallophoraAlso contains effective mimics; distinguished by thin terminal antennal segments and denser body hair versus Laphria's thick
More Details
Taxonomic note
Laphria winnemana was described by W.L. McAtee in 1919. The name has been subject to taxonomic revision, with some former Laphria now placed in other genera.
Mimicry system
Laphria participate in of bumble bees, which may confer protection from vertebrate that avoid stinging Hymenoptera.