Physoconops
Szilády, 1926
thick-headed flies
Physoconops is a of ( ) containing approximately 13 described . Members are mimics, resembling in appearance and . The genus occurs primarily in the Neotropical and Andean regions, with some species in North America. Like other conopids, Physoconops species are of and wasps.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Physoconops: //ˌfaɪsəˈkoʊnɒps//
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Identification
Physoconops closely resemble (: Eumeninae). distinguishing features include: elongated forming a ' waist'; heavily pigmented margin of the , mimicking the longitudinal fold in a potter wasp's wing at rest; large relative to body size; and -like mouthparts used for nectar feeding. The combination of these traits separates Physoconops from true wasps, which have two pairs of wings ( have one pair plus ) and different .
Images
Habitat
Associated with flowering vegetation where seek nectar. One , Physoconops tentenvilu, has been recorded from Valdivian evergreen forest in Chile.
Distribution
Neotropical and Andean regions; North America (including United States: Vermont, Florida); Chile (northern areas and southern extension to Valdivian region).
Diet
feed on nectar. are internal of and .
Life Cycle
Females attack or in mid-air, sometimes forcing them to the ground, and an between the host's abdominal . The hatches and feeds as an , killing the host in approximately 10-12 days. The larva then pupates inside the hollow of the host. occurs the following summer in temperate regions; multiple may occur in southern climates.
Behavior
frequent flowers to obtain nectar. Females actively pursue hymenopterans in to oviposit.
Ecological Role
of and ; regulator of hymenopterans.
Similar Taxa
- PhysocephalaAlso mimics with similar biology; Physocephala tend to be larger (e.g., P. tibialis 12-15 mm) and may show subtle differences in pigmentation patterns
- ZodionSmaller (5-7 mm) that also parasitize solitary ; distinguished by reduced size and different body proportions
- Potter wasps (Eumeninae)Visual mimic; true have two pairs of , , and different and folding pattern