Criorhina caudata

Curran, 1925

Red-tailed Bumblefly

Criorhina caudata is a hoverfly in the Syrphidae, described by Curran in 1925. It is commonly known as the Red-tailed Bumblefly. The species is found in North America, with records from Canada and the United States. Like other members of the Criorhina, it exhibits bumblebee mimicry as a defensive .

Criorhina caudata by C. HOWARD CURRAN. Used under a Public domain license.

Criorhina caudata 01 by Libby Avis, Centre for Biodiversity Genomics. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Criorhina caudata: /ˌkraɪoʊrəˈhiːnə kɔːˈdeɪtə/

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Identification

Distinguished from other Criorhina by the red-tailed coloration pattern. Separated from actual bumblebees (Bombus) by the single pair of wings (Diptera), short with , and the presence of a spurious in the wing—a characteristic feature of Syrphidae. The broad, flattened and structure differ from those of similar syrphid . C. caudata specifically differs from in the details of abdominal color pattern, particularly the reddish tail.

Images

Appearance

are robust, densely hairy flies that closely resemble bumblebees in overall appearance. The "Red-tailed Bumblefly" suggests a reddish coloration on the terminal abdominal segments. Members of the Criorhina typically have large that meet at the top of the in males, and a broad, flattened . The body is covered in pile that mimics the setation of bumblebees (Bombus spp.).

Distribution

Canada and the United States. Specific preferences within this range are not documented in available sources.

Behavior

are known to visit flowers. The bumblebee-like appearance serves as protective mimicry (), deterring that avoid stinging Hymenoptera.

Ecological Role

As a flower-visiting insect, likely contributes to pollination. Larval is unknown but related syrphid larvae are often associated with rotting wood or decaying organic matter.

Human Relevance

Documented through citizen science observations (iNaturalist). No significant documented economic or medical importance.

Similar Taxa

Criorhina berberinaAnother North American Criorhina ; differs in abdominal color pattern without red tail.
Bombus spp.Bumblebees that are mimicked by C. caudata; distinguished by two pairs of wings, longer , and different wing venation.
Mallota spp.Another of bumblebee-mimicking syrphids; differs in facial structure and wing details.

More Details

Taxonomic history

Described by Charles Howard Curran in 1925. The specific epithet "caudata" refers to the tail-like or caudal appearance, likely alluding to the distinctive red tail.

Observation records

As of available data, 49 observations documented on iNaturalist, indicating it is infrequently encountered or underreported relative to more common syrphid .