Conophorini

Conophorini can be distinguished from other Bombyliidae tribes by features of wing venation and body proportions, though specific diagnostic characters require examination of adult morphology. The genus Conophorus is characterized by a slender body form and relatively long proboscis compared to some other bee fly genera. Sparnopolius species often show distinctive wing patterns. Definitive identification to tribe level generally requires reference to specialized taxonomic keys for Bombyliidae.

Adults are typically found in open, sunny habitats including meadows, grasslands, and forest edges where their host bees and wasps nest. Larval habitat is determined by host nesting sites, which include soil burrows, hollow plant stems, and other cavities constructed by solitary Hymenoptera.

Documented from the Nearctic and Palearctic zoogeographic regions. The genus Conophorus has a primarily Holarctic distribution. Aldrichia and Sparnopolius are mainly Nearctic. Specific range limits for the tribe as a whole remain incompletely documented.

Adult activity generally coincides with the flight periods of their host bees and wasps, typically spring through summer in temperate regions. Exact timing varies by species and latitude.

Adults feed on nectar from flowers. Larvae are parasitoids that consume the provisions and developing larvae of solitary bees and wasps within host nests.

• solitary bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea) - parasitoidlarval development in host nests
• solitary wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespoidea) - parasitoidlarval development in host nests

Females deposit eggs near or at the entrances of host nests. First instar larvae are planidial, capable of active movement to locate host cells within the nest. Subsequent instars feed on host provisions and developing larvae. Pupation occurs within the host nest.

Adults are rapid, agile fliers often observed hovering at flowers. Males establish territories and pursue females in flight. Females exhibit host-seeking behavior, locating nests of appropriate bee and wasp species for oviposition.

As parasitoids of solitary bees and wasps, Conophorini function as population regulators of these pollinators and predators. Their presence indicates healthy populations of host Hymenoptera and contributes to community-level parasitoid load on solitary bee and wasp populations.

No direct economic importance. Occasionally observed by pollinator researchers and naturalists. May incidentally contribute to pollination during adult nectar feeding.

• BombyliiniAnother tribe in Bombyliidae; distinguished by differences in wing venation, particularly the arrangement of veins in the discal cell, and often more robust body form
• LordotiniSimilar bee fly tribe; Conophorini generally lack the pronounced facial modifications found in some Lordotini males

• parasitoid
• bee fly
• Bombyliidae
• solitary bee parasite
• Diptera

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