Lepidophora vetusta

Walker, 1857

Lepidophora vetusta is a of bee fly in the Bombyliidae. It occurs from Texas south through Mexico to Central America, reaching as far south as Rica. The Lepidophora is characterized by a distinctive hunch-backed body shape. are flower visitors, and larvae are kleptoparasites that usurp the nest provisions of solitary .

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 vetusta: //ˌlɛpɪˈdɒfərə vɪˈtʊstə//

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Distribution

Texas, Mexico, and Central America as far south as Rica.

Life Cycle

Larvae are kleptoparasites on the provisions of solitary in Vespidae and Sphecidae, usurping nest provisions rather than parasitizing wasp larvae directly.

Behavior

have been observed visiting flowers for nectar.

Ecological Role

Larvae function as kleptoparasites in nests; may contribute to pollination through flower visitation.

Similar Taxa

Lepidophora lepidoceraShares the distinctive hunch-backed body shape; distinguished by patterns on abdominal segments (L. lepidocera has pale scales only on the 5th abdominal segment, not on the 4th).
Lepidophora luteaShares the hunch-backed body shape; occurs more northward and differs in abdominal pattern.

More Details

Mimicry

in the Lepidophora may be mimics of robber flies rather than bees, unlike most bee flies.