Thyridanthrax pallidus
(Coquillett, 1887)
Thyridanthrax pallidus is a of bee fly in the Bombyliidae, first described by Coquillett in 1887. The Thyridanthrax belongs to the Anthracinae and tribe Villini. Bee flies in this genus are known for their parasitic or kleptoparasitic strategies, with females depositing into the nests of other insects. T. pallidus has been observed as a potential of thread-waisted wasps in the genus Ammophila.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Thyridanthrax pallidus: /ˌθaɪrɪˈdænθræks ˈpælɪdəs/
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Host Associations
- Ammophila aberti - Females observed hovering over open nests and lobbing down into tunnels; larvae likely parasitize or kleptoparasitize larvae and their prey provisions
Behavior
Females exhibit a distinctive -laying , hovering over open nests of and depositing eggs into burrows in a manner likened to aerial bombardment. This behavior has been specifically documented in association with nesting of Ammophila aberti.
More Details
Taxonomic placement
Thyridanthrax pallidus is classified in the bee fly Bombyliidae, Anthracinae, tribe Villini. The Thyridanthrax is distinguished within the tribe by morphological features of the wing venation and body structure.