Copestylum apiciferum
(Townsend, 1895)
Copestylum apiciferum is a of syrphid fly in the hoverfly Syrphidae. It belongs to a diverse of neotropical and nearctic flower-visiting flies commonly known as bromeliad flies. The species has been documented in 541 observations on iNaturalist, indicating it is relatively well-observed among syrphid enthusiasts. As with other members of its genus, likely visit flowers for nectar and pollen.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Copestylum apiciferum: /kəʊˈpɛstɪləm ˌæpɪˈsɪfərəm/
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Distribution
Documented from the southwestern United States and adjacent regions. Specific locality data indicates occurrence in shortgrass prairie and pinyon-juniper woodland in areas such as Black Mesa State Park, Oklahoma and surrounding regions.
Ecological Role
are flower visitors that may contribute to pollination of blooming plants in their . The Copestylum is associated with bromeliads and other plants, though specific relationships for C. apiciferum remain undocumented.
Similar Taxa
- Copestylum caudatumAnother of hairy-horned bromeliad fly in the same , distinguished by morphological differences in horn structure and body proportions. Both species occur in similar southwestern U.S. and visit flowers of composite plants such as Thelesperma megapotamicum.