Thyridanthrax fenestratoides
(Coquillett, 1892)
Thyridanthrax fenestratoides is a bee fly in the Bombyliidae. Its range extends from the Yukon through Canada, across most of the United States, and into Mexico. The species is morphologically similar to the Eurasian T. fenestratus. As a member of the Thyridanthrax, it is a known of solitary nests, with females observed hovering over open burrows and depositing into tunnels.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Thyridanthrax fenestratoides: /ˌθaɪrɪˈdænθræks fɛnəˌstræˈtɔɪdiːz/
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Identification
Closely resembles the Eurasian Thyridanthrax fenestratus; specific diagnostic features distinguishing T. fenestratoides from in North America are not documented in available sources.
Images
Distribution
Canada (Yukon to Ontario), United States (most of the country), and Mexico.
Host Associations
- Ammophila aberti - Female Thyridanthrax sp. observed hovering over open nests and depositing into tunnels; specific identification to T. fenestratoides not confirmed in this observation
Behavior
Females have been observed hovering over open nests of solitary and depositing into burrow tunnels in a rapid, targeted manner.
Ecological Role
of solitary ; likely functions as a natural control agent for wasp .
Similar Taxa
- Thyridanthrax fenestratusEurasian counterpart with which T. fenestratoides shares morphological similarity; the two are frequently compared in identification contexts.