Criorhina coquilletti

Williston, 1892

Coquillett's Bumble Fly

Criorhina coquilletti is a of ( ) known as Coquillett's Bumble . The Criorhina belongs to the tribe Milesiini within the Eristalinae. Hoverflies in this genus are recognized for their , 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 genera by their , -like body form with dense . Specific identification of C. coquilletti requires examination of morphological characters including facial structure, patterns, and male . 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 , C. coquilletti likely contributes to as visit flowers for nectar. The larval biology of Criorhina is poorly documented, though related in the tribe Milesiini typically have or that develop in decaying wood or other matter.

Similar Taxa

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

More Details

Nomenclature

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

Mimicry System

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