Lepidophora

Westwood, 1835

bee flies

Species Guides

Lepidophora is a of bee flies in the Bombyliidae, comprising eight described restricted to the New World. The genus exhibits a distinctive hunch-backed body shape and includes species with notable mimicry patterns. Larvae are kleptoparasites of solitary nests, usurping provisions rather than parasitizing larvae directly. are commonly observed feeding on nectar from flowers.

Lepidophora vetusta by (c) Francisco Farriols Sarabia, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Francisco Farriols Sarabia. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Lepidophora: //ˌlɛpəˈdɒfərə//

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Identification

in this are distinguished by their hunch-backed body shape, shared between L. lepidocera and L. lutea. L. lepidocera is distinguished from L. lutea by having pale restricted to the 5th abdominal segment versus both 4th and 5th segments in L. lutea. Male and female terminalia provide additional diagnostic characters for species identification.

Images

Distribution

Restricted to the New World. Five occur in the Neotropical region (L. acroleuca, L. culiciformis, L. cuneata, L. secutor, L. trypoxylona); two in the Nearctic region (L. lepidocera, L. lutea); and one species (L. vetusta) occurs in both Nearctic and Neotropical regions. GBIF records include Vermont, USA.

Host Associations

Sphecidae (Hymenoptera) - of stagesThree recorded as for L. culiciformis; larvae are kleptoparasites on nest provisions
Vespidae - of stagesLarvae characterized as kleptoparasites on provisions of solitary in this

Life Cycle

Larvae develop as kleptoparasites in nests of solitary (Sphecidae, Vespidae), consuming nest provisions rather than parasitizing wasp larvae directly. Pupae of L. culiciformis have been described and illustrated.

Behavior

have been observed taking nectar from flowers, including tall boneset (Eupatorium altissimum). The may exhibit mimicry of robber flies rather than bees, based on body shape and .

Ecological Role

Kleptoparasitic larvae exploit provisions of solitary , potentially affecting wasp reproductive success. may serve as while feeding on nectar.

Similar Taxa

Laphria (Asilidae)Both exhibit / mimicry; Laphria are true robber flies with predatory , whereas Lepidophora are bee flies with nectar-feeding adults and kleptoparasitic larvae
Mydas clavatus (Mydidae)Large fly with mimicry and similar 'cool factor' appearance; distinguished by larger size, black coloration with red/orange abdominal marking, and different placement
Promachus (Asilidae)Large predatory robber flies with similar bold ; distinguished by predatory habit, different body shape, and tiger-striped abdominal pattern in some

More Details

Taxonomic revision

The was comprehensively revised in 2013 (Zootaxa 3682), with all eight redescribed and illustrated, including male and female terminalia. A key to species was provided.

Etymology and pronunciation

The name derives from Greek 'lepidos' () and 'phora' (bearing), referring to the scaled body characteristic of in this genus.

Mimicry hypothesis

Unlike most bee flies that presumably mimic bees, in Lepidophora may actually mimic robber flies based on their distinctive hunch-backed shape and behavioral patterns.