Anthrax

Scopoli, 1763

Charcoal Bee Flies

Species Guides

17

Anthrax is a of bee flies ( Bombyliidae) commonly known as "Charcoal Bee Flies." These small to medium-sized flies (4–20 mm) are typically dull black with many displaying striking wing patterns. are important , frequently visiting flowers to feed on nectar using their long . The genus is notable for its lifestyle: females deposit near or in the burrows of insects, and the larvae attach externally to host larvae to feed on their tissues.

Anthrax vierecki by (c) Dawn Nelson, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Dawn Nelson. Used under a CC-BY license.Anthrax varicolor by (c) smeckert, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.Anthrax larrea by (c) Sam Kieschnick, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sam Kieschnick. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Anthrax: //ˈænθræks//

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Sources and further reading