Volucella
Volucella
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Diptera
- Family: Syrphidae
- Subfamily: Eristalinae
- Tribe: Volucellini
- Genus: Volucella
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Volucella: //vɔˈluː.sɛl.lə//
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Summary
Volucella is a genus of large, broad-bodied hover-flies noted for their ecological roles both as nectar feeders and as larvae that scavenge in bumblebee nests.
Physical Characteristics
Volucella is characterized by large, broad-bodied forms with distinctive plumose aristae and an extended downward face.
Identification Tips
Look for large hover-flies with extensive body coloration and plumose aristae when identifying Volucella.
Habitat
Volucella larvae predominantly inhabit nests of bumblebees and social wasps; adults are often found in flower-rich areas.
Distribution
The genus includes species found mainly in the New World, with a notable reference to Volucella bombylans being an Old World species.
Diet
Adults feed primarily on nectar of flowers; larvae are detritivores and occasionally feed on bumblebee larvae.
Life Cycle
Eggs are laid in bumblebee nests. The larvae undergo development within these nests.
Reproduction
Reproductive behaviors include the laying of eggs in the nests of bumblebees.
Ecosystem Role
Volucella plays a role in ecosystems as pollinators (adults) and as part of the detritivorous and predatory food web (larvae in bumblebee nests).
Evolution
The group is strongly migratory, with male territoriality noted as a behavioral trait.
Misconceptions
Confusion may arise with Volucella bombylans, which is commonly misidentified in the New World context.
Tags
- Volucella
- hover-flies
- pollinators
- detritivores