Hemipenthes jaennickeana
(Osten Sacken, 1886)
Hemipenthes jaennickeana is a of bee fly in the Bombyliidae, characterized by its hyper-parasitic larval lifestyle. Like other members of the Hemipenthes, its larvae develop as of other parasitic insects, specifically targeting ichneumon and tachinid fly larvae that themselves parasitize caterpillars. The species was described by Osten Sacken in 1886 and is part of a diverse family of true flies that often mimic bees in appearance.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Hemipenthes jaennickeana: /ˌhɛmɪˈpɛnθiːz ˌjaɪnɪˈkiːənə/
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Life Cycle
Larvae are hyper-, developing inside the larvae of ichneumon wasps and tachinid flies. These insects are themselves parasites of and caterpillars. details are not documented.
Ecological Role
Functions as a hyper- in , potentially regulating of primary and indirectly affecting herbivorous caterpillar populations.