Bombyliomyia
Brauer & Bergenstamm, 1889
Bombyliomyia is a of ( ) established by Brauer & Bergenstamm in 1889. The genus contains approximately ten described distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. Tachinid flies in this genus are , with developing inside other . The genus name references a superficial resemblance to ().
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Bombyliomyia: /bɔm.bi.liˈoʊ.mi.jə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
-level identification within Bombyliomyia relies on examination of male terminalia and details of (bristle arrangement). The can be distinguished from related Ernestiini genera by characters of the , including facial profile and structure. Coloration varies among species, with some showing distinctive pale or dark head markings.
Distribution
Neotropical region, with records from Central and South America. Specific countries of occurrence are not comprehensively documented in available sources.
Life Cycle
As , in this have that develop within . Specific host relationships for Bombyliomyia species are not well documented.
Ecological Role
, contributing to regulation of . Specific ecological impacts have not been quantified.
Similar Taxa
- BombyliusSimilar name and convergent resemblance to ; Bombylius is in , not , and has a long for nectar feeding rather than the reduced mouthparts typical of .
- Other Ernestiini generaShare tribal placement within Tachininae; require examination of male and characters for definitive separation.
More Details
Etymology
The name combines 'Bombylius' (referring to ) with the suffix '-myia' (), alluding to the bee fly-like appearance of these .
Taxonomic history
The was described by Brauer & Bergenstamm in 1889. have been described by various authors including Wulp, Macquart, Townsend, Williston, Engel, and Thompson, spanning from 1846 to 1963.