Brachypalpus alopex
(Osten Sacken, 1877)
Bumblebee Catkin Fly
Brachypalpus alopex is an uncommon syrphid fly native to western North America. are flower-visiting hoverflies that obtain nectar and pollen from blossoms. Larvae develop as rat-tailed maggots in decaying sap beneath tree bark. The species was first described by Osten Sacken in 1877 and remains relatively poorly documented.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Brachypalpus alopex: /ˌbrækɪˈpælpəs ˈæləpɛks/
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Habitat
Coastal regions of western North America. Larval consists of decaying sap flows under tree bark.
Distribution
Nearctic region; recorded from coastal western North America.
Diet
feed on nectar and pollen from flowers. Larvae feed on decaying sap under tree bark.
Life Cycle
Larval stage is of the rat-tailed type, developing in decaying sap under tree bark. Details of and are not documented.
Behavior
hover in , a characteristic of syrphid flies. Adults are commonly observed on flowers.
Ecological Role
may contribute to pollination while foraging on flowers. Larvae function as saprotrophs in decaying tree sap microhabitats.
More Details
Rarity
Described as an uncommon with limited documentation.
Larval Morphology
Rat-tailed larvae possess a telescoping respiratory siphon that allows breathing while submerged in liquid substrates.