Systoechus vulgaris

Loew, 1863

grasshopper bee fly

Systoechus vulgaris, commonly known as the bee fly, is a of bee fly in the Bombyliidae. It is found in Canada and across most of the United States. The species is notable for its larvae, which prey upon grasshopper . are active primarily in the fall, distinguishing them from the related Bombylius, which tends to be active in spring.

Systoechus vulgaris by (c) Susan Blayney, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Susan Blayney. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Systoechus vulgaris: /sɪsˈtoʊɛkəs vʌlˈɡɛərɪs/

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Identification

Systoechus vulgaris can be distinguished from the similar Bombylius by the location of the r-m on the wing. Members of Systoechus are generally active as in the fall, whereas Bombylius tend to be active in spring. The " bee fly" refers to its larval association with grasshopper , not to any morphological resemblance to grasshoppers.

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Distribution

Canada and across most of the United States.

Seasonality

are active primarily in the fall.

Host Associations

  • grasshopper eggs - Larvae are of .

Ecological Role

The larvae function as of , potentially contributing to natural regulation of grasshopper .

Similar Taxa

More Details

Taxonomic history

First described by Loew in 1863. The has been consistently placed in the Systoechus within Bombyliidae.

Sources and further reading