Paravilla
Paravilla
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Diptera
- Superfamily: Asiloidea
- Family: Bombyliidae
- Subfamily: Anthracinae
- Tribe: Villini
- Genus: Paravilla
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Paravilla: //ˌpærəˈvɪlə//
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Images
Summary
Paravilla is a genus of bee flies in the family Bombyliidae, comprising at least 50 described species, predominantly found in the New World and specializing in parasitizing ground-nesting bees.
Physical Characteristics
Face conically projecting; fore-tibiae with darkened bristles; antennae slenderly-conically pointed; wing veins CuA2 and A converging toward but not meeting before wing margin.
Identification Tips
Look for the conically projecting face and the specific configuration of wing veins.
Habitat
New World, mostly nearctic, often found near ground-nesting bees.
Distribution
Western U.S., with 2 species ranging north to British Columbia, others ranging east to Michigan, Ohio, and Georgia, and some restricted to the Midwest and Alabama-Georgia area.
Diet
Larvae are parasites of ground-nesting bees.
Ecosystem Role
Larvae play a role as parasites of ground-nesting bees, which can influence bee populations.
Tags
- Entomology
- Diptera
- Bee flies
- Bombyliidae