Hemipenthes inops
(Coquillett, 1887)
Hemipenthes inops is a of bee fly in the Bombyliidae, found in the western United States. It is distinguished from other members of its by its mostly transparent wings, whereas typically have patterned or darkened wings. The species belongs to a genus whose larvae are known to be hyper-, developing as of other parasitic insects.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Hemipenthes inops: /hɛ.mɪˈpɛn.θiːz ˈɪ.nɔps/
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Identification
Distinguished from other Hemipenthes by its predominantly transparent wings. Most have wings with extensive dark patterns or markings.
Appearance
have mostly transparent wings with reduced dark patterning compared to other Hemipenthes . Body details are not well documented in available sources.
Distribution
Western United States. Specific state records are not documented in available sources.
Seasonality
Spring is a productive season for observing bee flies in general, though specific activity periods for H. inops are not documented.
Ecological Role
Larvae of the Hemipenthes are hyper-, parasitizing the larvae of ichneumon wasps, tachinid flies, and other insects that are themselves of lepidopteran caterpillars. This trophic role places them at the fourth in some .
Human Relevance
are harmless to humans and pets. The elongated , common in bee flies, is used for nectar feeding and does not function for blood-feeding.
Similar Taxa
- Other Hemipenthes speciesH. inops differs in having mostly transparent wings rather than the patterned or darkened wings typical of .
More Details
Taxonomic note
Described by Coquillett in 1887. The epithet "inops" means "poor" or "needy" in Latin, possibly alluding to the reduced wing patterning.