Criorhina coquilletti

Williston, 1892

Coquillett's Bumble Fly

Criorhina coquilletti is a of hoverfly ( Syrphidae) known as Coquillett's Bumble Fly. The Criorhina belongs to the tribe Milesiini within the Eristalinae. Hoverflies in this genus are recognized for their mimicry, a form of that provides protection from . The species was described by Samuel Wendell Williston in 1892.

Criorhina coquilletti by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Criorhina coquilletti: /ˈkriːoʊˌraɪnə ˌkoʊkɪˈjɛti/

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Identification

in the Criorhina are distinguished from other syrphid genera by their robust, -like body form with dense pile. Specific identification of C. coquilletti requires examination of morphological characters including facial structure, wing venation patterns, and male genitalia. The species can be separated from by subtle differences in coloration and structural features, though precise diagnostic characters require taxonomic knowledge.

Images

Distribution

Canada and the United States.

Ecological Role

As a member of the hoverfly Syrphidae, C. coquilletti likely contributes to pollination as visit flowers for nectar. The larval of Criorhina is poorly documented, though related in the tribe Milesiini typically have saprophagous or larvae that develop in decaying wood or other organic matter.

Similar Taxa

Other Criorhina species share the mimicry and robust body form; require detailed morphological examination for separation.
Mallota speciesAnother of -mimicking hoverflies in the same tribe Milesiini with similar overall appearance.
Eristalis speciesDrone fly mimics of honey bees rather than bumble bees, but share similar hoverfly body plan and flower-visiting .

More Details

Nomenclature

The specific epithet coquilletti honors Daniel William Coquillett (1856-1911), an American entomologist who made significant contributions to the study of Diptera, particularly the Syrphidae. Coquillett worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and described numerous insect .

Mimicry System

The Criorhina exhibits of bumble bees (Bombus spp.), gaining protection from that avoid the stinging hymenopteran models. This mimicry includes not only coloration and body form but also behavioral components such as patterns.