Chrysanthrax cypris
(Meigen, 1820)
Chrysanthrax cypris is a of in the . It occurs in the eastern United States from Massachusetts and Iowa south to Mexico. The species is a of . are active that visit flowers for nectar.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Chrysanthrax cypris: //ˌkrɪsænˈθræks ˈsaɪprɪs//
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Identification
The distinct black on the are the primary diagnostic feature separating Chrysanthrax cypris from similar . The single pair of wings distinguishes it from true , which have two pairs. The long and frenetic are additional characteristics typical of the .
Images
Appearance
A with a hairy, -like body. The have distinct of black that serve as a identifying feature. Like other bee flies, it possesses only one pair of wings (characteristic of ) and a remarkably long adapted for reaching deep into flowers.
Habitat
Meadows and open areas with abundant flowering plants. Often found in supporting ground-nesting .
Distribution
Eastern United States from Massachusetts and Iowa southward to Mexico.
Seasonality
Active in spring, with observed during periods when flowers are in bloom and ground-nesting are active.
Diet
feed on nectar from flowers. are that develop by feeding on .
Host Associations
- Tiphiidae - develop as of .
Life Cycle
Females in or near burrows. enter host galleries, attach to host larvae, and feed on their tissues and blood until the host is consumed.
Behavior
exhibit rapid, darting patterns while foraging for nectar. They perform pre-flight warm-up by rapidly fluttering their on cool mornings.
Ecological Role
function as , transporting pollen on their hairy bodies while feeding on nectar. act as agents by parasitizing .
Human Relevance
Provides services in meadows and natural areas. Often mistaken for due to appearance, which may cause unnecessary concern.
Similar Taxa
- Bombylius majorAnother common with long , but lacks the distinct black of C. cypris.
- Anthrax georgicusSimilar , but parasitizes rather than .
- Xenox tigrinusTiger that parasitizes ; differs in association and pattern.
More Details
Taxonomic history
Originally described by Meigen in 1820. Placed in Chrysanthrax within tribe Villini of Anthracinae.