Hemipenthes blanchardiana
(Jaennicke, 1867)
A of bee fly in the Bombyliidae. Larvae of the Hemipenthes are hyper-, developing as parasites of ichneumon wasps, tachinid flies, and other insects that are themselves parasites of caterpillars. This makes them secondary consumers in . visit flowers for nectar. The species has been documented in Arizona and other parts of North America.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Hemipenthes blanchardiana: /ˌhɛ.mɪˈpɛn.θiːz ˌblæn.tʃɚˈdiː.ə.nə/
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Distribution
Documented in Arizona, USA. The Hemipenthes occurs in North America.
Seasonality
active in spring.
Diet
feed on nectar from flowers.
Life Cycle
Complete . Larvae are hyper-, parasitizing the larvae of ichneumon wasps, tachinid flies, and other of lepidopteran caterpillars.
Behavior
visit flowers. Larval stage is parasitic.
Ecological Role
Hyper-. Functions as a secondary consumer in by parasitizing primary parasitoids of caterpillars.
Human Relevance
are harmless to humans and pets. The elongated used for nectar feeding may cause concern but is not used for blood-feeding.
Similar Taxa
- Hemipenthes eumenesCongeneric with similar hyper-parasitic larval , distinguished by specific morphological and geographic differences.
- Bombylius majorBoth are bee flies, but Bombylius major is a primary of solitary bees rather than a hyper-parasitoid.
- Villa spp.Related bee flies that are primary of lepidopteran caterpillars, not hyper-parasitoids.