Physocephala burgessi
(Williston, 1882)
thick-headed fly
Physocephala burgessi is a of in the . Like other members of its , it is a of and . The species exhibits wasp in appearance and , including an elongated resembling a wasp waist and dark pigmentation along the margin that mimics the folded wing appearance of at rest.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Physocephala burgessi: //ˌfaɪsoʊˈsɛfələ ˈbɜːrdʒəsi//
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Identification
Resembles (: Eumeninae) in general form. Distinguished from other by features of the Physocephala: large relative to body size, -like mouthparts adapted for nectar feeding, elongated creating a '-waisted' silhouette, and dark pigmentation along the margin. Specific identification to P. burgessi requires examination of morphological details not described in available sources.
Images
Habitat
Observed in association with flowering plants, particularly in prairie and grassland where and are active.
Distribution
North America. Specific range details not documented in available sources; inferred to occur in regions where suitable and prairie overlap.
Diet
feed on nectar from flowers. are internal , feeding on the tissues of hymenopterans.
Life Cycle
Females intercept or in , forcibly depositing an between the 's abdominal . The hatches and develops internally, killing the host in approximately 10–12 days. occurs within the hollow of the dead host. timing varies by climate; temperate likely produce one annually, with southern populations potentially .
Behavior
Females actively pursue in mid-air, sometimes forcing them to the ground during the attack. frequent flowers for nectar, where they also seek host encounters. Exhibits aggressive pursuit toward .
Ecological Role
of and , contributing to of and . May influence bee and wasp dynamics in prairie .
Human Relevance
No direct human relevance documented. Indirectly relevant as a of ; may reduce local . Not a pest of humans or domestic animals.
Similar Taxa
- Physocephala tibialisSimilar size (12–15 mm), -mimicking appearance, and ; distinguished by specific morphological characters and associations
- Zodion speciesAlso with similar biology, but smaller (5–7 mm), less pronounced , and attack solitary wasps rather than
- Physoconops speciesRelated with similar and biology