Anastoechus
Osten Sacken, 1877
bee flies
Species Guides
3Anastoechus is a of bee flies in the Bombyliidae comprising over 90 described . The genus is distinguished by stout hairy bodies, long slender , broad oval , and spinose tibiae. Species are distributed primarily across the Afrotropical and Palearctic realms. Members serve dual ecological roles as and as of , with documented potential for applications.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Anastoechus: /ˌanəsˈtiːkəs/
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Identification
Stout, hairy body with long slender ; broad oval ; tibiae with spines (spinose). These features distinguish Anastoechus from other bee fly , though -level identification requires additional examination.
Images
Habitat
Specific collection records include montane regions such as Shengshuiliang in the Daqingshan National Nature Reserve, Inner Mongolia, China. General preferences across the remain poorly documented.
Distribution
Over 90 described worldwide, with the majority occurring in the Afrotropical and Palearctic realms.
Diet
Larvae feed on . visit flowers.
Host Associations
- Locusta migratoria -
- Dociostaurus maroccanus -
- Dissosteria longipennis -
- Locusta migratoria manilensis -
Behavior
Important floral visitors and . Larvae are of masses, with potential for of agricultural pests.
Ecological Role
Functions as both and natural enemy ( of ). Holds significant potential for in agriculture and forestry.
Human Relevance
Potential biocontrol agent for pest management in agricultural and forestry systems.