Bombylius pulchellus

Loew, 1863

Beautiful Bee Fly

Bombylius pulchellus is a of bee fly in the Bombyliidae, distributed across northern North America from Canada to the northern United States. are active in spring and are known for their relationship with the sweat bee Halictus ligatus, whose larvae and pupae they consume. Unlike many bee flies, B. pulchellus pupates in soil away from the nest rather than within it.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Bombylius pulchellus: /bɒmˈbɪliəs pʊlˈkɛləs/

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Habitat

Found in open, sunny areas including meadows, prairies, and forest edges where bees forage and nest. Associated with sandy soils preferred by its host Halictus ligatus.

Distribution

Canada: Alberta east to Quebec; United States: northern tier from Nebraska east to Maryland.

Seasonality

active in spring, primarily March through June, with peak activity in April and May.

Diet

feed on nectar from flowers using a long . Larvae are that consume the larvae and pupae of their .

Host Associations

  • Halictus ligatus - primary larvae are of H. ligatus larvae and pupae

Life Cycle

are deposited into or near nests. Larvae hatch and actively seek out host bee larvae, attaching as external and consuming the host. Mature larvae pupate in soil away from the host nest, unlike many related bee flies that pupate within the nest. Pupae possess hooks, spines, and bristles to aid through soil.

Behavior

Female flies locate open nest burrows and deposit ; larvae actively seek host larvae rather than remaining passive. exhibit hovering typical of bee flies and visit flowers for nectar.

Ecological Role

Significant regulator of the sweat bee Halictus ligatus; acts as a mortality factor affecting primarily reproductive of the . May contribute to pollination through flower visitation, though this role is secondary to its function.

Human Relevance

Not directly significant to humans; beneficial as a natural control agent for sweat bee , though sweat bees themselves are generally benign .

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