Bee Flies
Bombyliidae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Diptera
- Superfamily: Asiloidea
- Family: Bombyliidae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Bombyliidae: /bɔmˈbɪlɪ.aɪdiː/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
The Bombyliidae, or bee flies, are a diverse family of flies known for their significant role in pollination and complex life cycles, where larvae are predominantly parasitoids of other insects. Their adults exhibit characteristics that often mimic bees, which may provide them protection from predators, while they display unique hovering feeding behaviors.
Physical Characteristics
Body size ranges from 1.0 mm to 40 mm; morphology varies, often with a compact form covered in dense hairs. Coloration is typically inconspicuous, in shades of brown, blackish-grey, white, or yellow. The head is round with a convex face, and males often have holoptic eyes. Antennae vary in segments with the third segment larger. Legs are long and thin, designed for stability while hovering. Abdomen is typically short and wide with specific adaptations for egg deposition in females.
Identification Tips
Adults resemble bees, especially in body form and coloration, which may involve Batesian mimicry. They are distinguishable from hoverflies by their facial structure, wing characteristics, and body glossiness.
Habitat
Adults are found in sunny, dry, often sandy or rocky areas, typically hovering over flowers or resting on bare ground. Larvae are often found within host nests, such as those of beetles or solitary bees.
Distribution
Worldwide distribution with the highest diversity in tropical and subtropical arid climates. In Europe, approximately 335 species occur across 53 genera.
Diet
Adults primarily feed on nectar and pollen, while larvae are predominantly external parasitoids of other insects, particularly eggs and larvae of holometabolous insects.
Life Cycle
The life cycle is poorly understood for many species. Larvae are primarily parasitoids or predators; eggs are laid in proximity to host nests, and immature stages undergo hypermetamorphosis.
Reproduction
Females lay eggs near host nests, often hovering and flicking abdomen to deposit eggs into soil depressions. Some have adapted a sand chamber to coat eggs for better survival upon deposition.
Ecosystem Role
Bombyliidae play a significant role in pollination, especially in arid environments, contributing to the cross-pollination of various plants and serving as biological control agents in ecosystems through their larval parasitism.
Cultural Significance
The Pokémon Ribombee is inspired by the Bombyliidae, reflecting their unique characteristics in popular culture.
Collecting Methods
- Netting in local flora where they hover or feed.
- Using traps baited with floral scents.
Preservation Methods
- Pinning specimens for display.
- Storing in ethanol for molecular studies.
Evolution
Fossils date back to around 140 million years ago, with some of the oldest known species found in Cretaceous amber. The family has a complex evolutionary history and is considered polyphyletic in some classifications.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Some species may be confused with bees and wasps due to their appearance, leading to a misunderstanding of their ecological role and behavior.
Tags
- Bombyliidae
- bee flies
- Diptera
- pollination
- parasitoids