Lepidophora lepidocera
(Wiedemann, 1828)
Scaly Bee Fly
Lepidophora lepidocera is a Nearctic in the , one of eight species in the Lepidophora. The genus is restricted to the New World, with L. lepidocera occurring in the eastern United States. display a distinctive hunch-backed body shape and are frequently observed visiting flowers for nectar. are that usurp provisions from solitary nests rather than parasitizing the wasp larvae directly.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Lepidophora lepidocera: //ˌlɛpɪˈdɒfərə ˌlɛpɪˈdɒsɪrə//
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Identification
Distinguished from the similar northern Lepidophora lutea by having pale restricted to the 5th abdominal ; L. lutea has pale scales on both the 4th and 5th abdominal segments. Both species share the characteristic hunch-backed body shape that distinguishes the .
Images
Distribution
Eastern United States, from Florida and New York west to Texas and Colorado. The is restricted to the Nearctic region.
Diet
have been observed taking nectar from flowers, including tall boneset (Eupatorium altissimum).
Life Cycle
are on the provisions of solitary in the and , usurping nest provisions intended for wasp larvae rather than parasitizing the larvae directly.
Similar Taxa
- Lepidophora luteaOverlaps in hunch-backed body shape; distinguished by pale scaling on 4th and 5th abdominal versus 5th only in L. lepidocera