Leucophora obtusa

(Zetterstedt, 1837)

satellite fly

Leucophora obtusa is a satellite in the that parasitizes the of Andrena . The is found across Japan, Europe, and North America. It is notoriously difficult to distinguish from other Leucophora species and is characterized by being particularly hairy. The "satellite fly" refers to the female's of hovering or "orbiting" around bee nests.

Leucophora obtusa by (c) Michael Knapp, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Michael Knapp. Used under a CC-BY license.

Leucophora obtusa, NHM garden 3 (52974170638) by Sam Thomas. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

2021 04 09 Leucophora obtusa by Slimguy. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Identification

Characterized by exceptionally hairy body compared to , with long hairs on abdominal and scutellar margins. Distinguished from other Leucophora primarily by this pilosity pattern, though precise identification requires expert examination.

Images

Appearance

Particularly hairy body with dense hair covering the , , and legs. Long hairs present on abdominal and margins of the . Notoriously difficult to distinguish from other Leucophora .

Habitat

Found near nests of Andrena . Recorded from Wytham Woods, Oxfordshire, UK.

Distribution

Japan, Europe, and North America. Distribution records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.

Host Associations

Andrena bees - parasitized are parasitic on 's
Andrena bee nests - sitefemales oviposit in the tumulus of the nest entrance

Life Cycle

are parasitic on the 's . Development occurs within the host 's nest.

Behavior

Females hover or "orbit" around nests. Females shadow the bee back to its burrow to locate sites.

Ecological Role

of Andrena . Acts as a natural control agent for bee .

Similar Taxa

Other Leucophora speciesNotoriously difficult to distinguish; requires examination of hair and pattern, particularly hairs on abdominal and scutellar margins

More Details

Genome sequencing

assembly completed: 1,289.8 Mb nuclear genome, 6 chromosomal pseudomolecules, 18.72 kb mitochondrial genome.

Etymology of common name

The term "satellite " derives from the female's distinctive hovering around nests, resembling a satellite orbiting a planet.