Bee-fly
Guides
Lepidanthrax californicus
Lepidanthrax californicus is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, first described by Hall in 1976. It is endemic to the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico, with confirmed records from California, Arizona, and Baja California Norte. Bee flies in this family are typically characterized by their robust, hairy bodies and long proboscises adapted for nectar feeding. The species belongs to the subfamily Anthracinae and tribe Villini, a group whose members often exhibit striking coloration and patterns.
Lepidanthrax disjunctus
Lepidanthrax disjunctus is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae. The species is documented from Mexico and the U.S. state of Arizona. Bee flies in this family are typically characterized by their resemblance to bees and their parasitic or predatory larval life histories, though specific biological details for this species remain limited.
Lepidanthrax eremicus
Lepidanthrax eremicus is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, described by Hall in 1976. The species is known only from California. As a member of the bee fly family, it likely exhibits the characteristic parasitoid lifestyle of many bombyliids, though specific biological details remain undocumented.
Lepidophora lepidocera
Scaly Bee Fly
Lepidophora lepidocera is a Nearctic bee fly species in the family Bombyliidae, one of eight species in the genus Lepidophora. The genus is restricted to the New World, with L. lepidocera occurring in the eastern United States. Adults display a distinctive hunch-backed body shape and are frequently observed visiting flowers for nectar. Larvae are kleptoparasites that usurp provisions from solitary wasp nests rather than parasitizing the wasp larvae directly.
Ligyra gazophylax
Ligyra gazophylax is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, originally described by Loew in 1869. The species has been reclassified under the genus Nyia in some taxonomic treatments, reflecting ongoing revision within the family. Bee flies in this group are characterized by their parasitoid life history and distinctive adult morphology.
Lordotus planus
Lordotus planus is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, first described by Osten Sacken in 1877. It belongs to the subfamily Lordotinae and tribe Lordotini. The genus Lordotus comprises bee flies characterized by their distinctive morphological features. Limited information exists on the specific biology and ecology of this species, though it shares the general life history traits of Bombyliidae, including parasitoid larval development and adult nectar-feeding behavior.
Lordotus pulchrissimus
desert bee fly
Lordotus pulchrissimus is a bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, commonly known as the desert bee fly. Males and females exhibit strong sexual dimorphism in size, fur density, and coloration—females are smaller (2–14 mm), more densely furred, and display brighter orange-yellow tones that fade rapidly with age, while males are larger (8–16 mm), less hairy, and possess black markings on the femora. The species is notable for the daily aerial swarming behavior of males, which form aggregations over stabilized dunes for reasons that remain unclear; this behavior is energetically costly and occurs independently of female presence or resource density. Adults feed primarily on nectar from desert brush, particularly rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus nauseosus), and serve as pollinators. Larvae are parasitoids, though specific host insects remain unidentified.
Lordotus striatus
Lordotus striatus is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, first described by Painter in 1940. It belongs to the subfamily Lordotinae and tribe Lordotini. The species has been documented in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States, particularly in association with flowering plants in alkaline flats and tamarisk/saltbush chaparral habitats.
Lordotus zona
Lordotus zona is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, first described by Coquillett in 1887. The genus Lordotus belongs to the subfamily Lordotinae, a group of bee flies characterized by distinctive morphological features. Records of this species are relatively sparse, with limited observational data available through community science platforms. The species epithet 'zona' likely refers to banded or zoned coloration patterns.
Metacosmus mancipennis
Metacosmus mancipennis is a species of bee fly (Diptera: Bombyliidae) in the subfamily Tomomyzinae, described by Coquillett in 1910. The genus Metacosmus is a small group within Bombyliidae, and this species remains poorly documented in scientific literature. Available records are sparse, with limited observational data despite its acceptance as a valid taxon.
Neodiplocampta mirella
Neodiplocampta mirella is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, described by Hull and Martin in 1974. The species is known only from California. As a member of the subfamily Anthracinae and tribe Villini, it belongs to a group of bee flies characterized by particular wing venation patterns. No observations of this species have been recorded in iNaturalist.
Ogcodocera analis
Ogcodocera analis is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, first described by Williston in 1901. It belongs to the subfamily Lomatiinae and tribe Lomatiini. The species is known from a limited geographic range in the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico. Observations of this species are sparse, with only five documented records in iNaturalist as of the source date.
Ogcodocera leucoprocta
White-faced bee fly
Ogcodocera leucoprocta is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, commonly known as the white-faced bee fly. It is found in eastern North America, ranging from Mexico northward through the United States to Quebec. The species is one of approximately 4,000 described bee flies worldwide.
Pantarbes
Pantarbes is a genus of bee flies (family Bombyliidae) comprising six described species. The genus was established by Osten Sacken in 1877 and is currently classified within the subfamily Cythereinae. Species in this genus are found in North America, with records from the western United States and adjacent regions.
Pantarbes capito
Pantarbes capito is a species of bee fly (family Bombyliidae) described by Osten Sacken in 1877. It is known from the southwestern United States, with records spanning from California to Wyoming. As a member of the bee fly family, it belongs to a group of flies that are typically pollinators and often parasitoids of other insects. The genus Pantarbes is classified within the subfamily Cythereinae.
Pantarbes earinus
Pantarbes earinus is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, first described by Hall & Evenhuis in 1984. It is distributed across western North America, ranging from British Columbia, Canada to New Mexico, United States. As a member of the subfamily Cythereinae, it belongs to a group of bee flies characterized by particular wing venation and body plan features.
Pantarbes megistus
Pantarbes megistus is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae. It was described by Hall and Evenhuis in 1984. The species has an extremely restricted known distribution, documented only from the northern Mojave Desert in California. As a member of the subfamily Cythereinae, it belongs to a group of bee flies whose biology remains poorly understood.
Paracosmus edwardsii
Paracosmus edwardsii is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae. It is known from California and Utah. The genus Paracosmus belongs to the diverse assemblage of bee flies, which are characterized by their stout, often fuzzy bodies and long proboscises adapted for nectar feeding. Most bee flies are parasitoids or predators in their larval stages, though specific life history details for this species remain undocumented.
Paracosmus insolens
Paracosmus insolens is a species of bee fly (Diptera: Bombyliidae) described by Coquillett in 1891. It belongs to the subfamily Tomomyzinae. The species is documented from California and Nevada in western North America. As with other bee flies, it likely exhibits parasitoid larval biology, though specific details remain unverified.
Paracosmus morrisoni
Paracosmus morrisoni is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, subfamily Tomomyzinae. It was described by Osten Sacken in 1887. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico, representing part of the diverse bee fly fauna of arid and semi-arid regions of North America.
Paracosmus rubicundus
Paracosmus rubicundus is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, first described by Melander in 1950. It belongs to the subfamily Tomomyzinae and is known from a limited geographic range in southwestern North America and Mexico. Bee flies in this family are generally nectar-feeding as adults, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Paradiplocampta
Paradiplocampta is a genus of bee flies (family Bombyliidae) established by Hall in 1975. The genus is monotypic, containing a single described species, P. tabeti, known from the southwestern United States. As a member of the subfamily Anthracinae and tribe Villini, it belongs to a group of bee flies characterized by robust bodies and often mimetic coloration.
Paradiplocampta tabeti
Paradiplocampta tabeti is a species of bee fly (family Bombyliidae) described by Hall in 1974. It belongs to the subfamily Anthracinae and tribe Villini. The genus Paradiplocampta contains species characterized by distinctive wing venation and body proportions. Like other bombyliids, adults likely function as pollinators and larvae are presumed parasitoids, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Paravilla
Paravilla is a genus of bee flies (family Bombyliidae) comprising at least 50 described species distributed across North and South America. Species in this genus are parasitoids, with documented evidence of larval development within antlion hosts. The genus was established by Painter in 1933 and belongs to the tribe Villini within subfamily Anthracinae.
Paravilla cinerea
Paravilla cinerea is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, first described by Cole in 1923. It belongs to the tribe Villini within the subfamily Anthracinae. The species has been recorded in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.
Paravilla deserta
Paravilla deserta is a species of bee fly (Bombyliidae) described by Hall in 1981. It belongs to the subfamily Anthracinae and tribe Villini. The species is known from arid and semi-arid regions of western North America.
Paravilla fumosa
Paravilla fumosa is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, described by Hall in 1981. It is endemic to California. As a member of the bee fly family, it likely exhibits the characteristic parasitoid lifestyle of many bombyliids, though specific details remain unreported.
Paravilla mercedis
Paravilla mercedis is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, described by Coquillett in 1887. It occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. As a member of the tribe Villini, it shares the characteristic bee-like appearance common to this group of flies.
Paravilla mexicana
Paravilla mexicana is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, first described by Hall in 1981. As a member of the genus Paravilla, it belongs to the tribe Villini within the subfamily Anthracinae. Bee flies in this genus are typically parasitoids or cleptoparasites of other insects, particularly solitary bees and wasps. The species epithet 'mexicana' suggests a geographic association with Mexico, though the precise distribution requires confirmation from specimen records.
Paravilla separata
Paravilla separata is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae. It occurs in eastern North America, ranging from Canada through the United States and into Mexico. Bee flies in this family are generally known as pollinators and parasitoids, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited.
Paravilla splendida
Paravilla splendida is a species of bee fly (family Bombyliidae) described by Hall in 1981. It belongs to the subfamily Anthracinae and tribe Villini. The species has a restricted geographic range limited to California and Baja California Norte, Mexico.
Paravilla syrtis
Paravilla syrtis is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae. It occurs in arid regions across western North America, ranging from the Yukon through the United States to Mexico. As with other bee flies, adults are likely nectar feeders, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Poecilanthrax
Poecilanthrax is a large genus of bee-flies (family Bombyliidae) primarily distributed in the Nearctic region. Adults are robust flies with body lengths of 8–14 mm, characterized by large, elongate patterned wings with 2–3 submarginal cells and the absence of vein M2. The genus is notable for its parasitic life history, with larvae developing inside caterpillars of noctuid moths. Approximately 35 species were recognized as of 1960, with greatest diversity in the Great Basin region.
Poecilanthrax alcyon
bee fly
Poecilanthrax alcyon is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae. It is widely distributed across North America, occurring from Canada through the United States to Mexico. The species belongs to a genus whose larvae develop as parasites inside caterpillars, primarily of the family Noctuidae.
Poecilanthrax alpha
Poecilanthrax alpha is a species of bee fly (family Bombyliidae) first described by Osten Sacken in 1877. It belongs to a strictly North American genus of parasitoid flies whose larvae develop inside caterpillars, primarily cutworms and armyworms (Noctuidae). The genus Poecilanthrax contains approximately 35 species, with greatest diversity in the Great Basin region. Specific details about P. alpha's biology and distribution remain limited in published literature.
Poecilanthrax apache
A species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, described in 1960. Belongs to the strictly North American genus Poecilanthrax, which comprises approximately 35 species concentrated in the Great Basin region. Larvae develop as parasitoids within caterpillars of cutworms and armyworms (Noctuidae).
Poecilanthrax arethusa
Poecilanthrax arethusa is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae. As a member of the genus Poecilanthrax, it is likely a parasitoid whose larvae develop within caterpillars, though specific host records for this species are not well documented. Bee flies in this genus are typically univoltine in natural habitats. The species was described by Osten Sacken in 1886.
Poecilanthrax bicellata
Poecilanthrax bicellata is a species of bee fly (family Bombyliidae) in the subfamily Anthracinae. The genus Poecilanthrax is strictly North American, with the greatest diversity in the Great Basin region. Like other members of the genus, this species likely develops as a parasitoid of noctuid caterpillars, though specific host records for P. bicellata remain unconfirmed. Adults are typically observed visiting flowers.
Poecilanthrax californicus
Poecilanthrax californicus is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, first described by Cole in 1917. As a member of the genus Poecilanthrax, it belongs to a strictly North American group of bee flies whose larvae develop as parasites inside caterpillars of various cutworms and armyworms (family Noctuidae). The species epithet 'californicus' suggests a primary association with California, though specific details about its biology and distribution remain limited in available sources.
Poecilanthrax effrenus
Poecilanthrax effrenus is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, subfamily Anthracinae, tribe Villini. The species was described by Coquillett in 1887. It has been documented in the southwestern United States, particularly in Texas. The genus Poecilanthrax comprises predatory bee flies whose larvae develop as parasitoids or predators of other insects.
Poecilanthrax eremicus
Poecilanthrax eremicus is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, first described by Painter & Hall in 1960. The genus Poecilanthrax is strictly North American, with greatest species diversity in the Great Basin region. Like other members of this genus, adults likely parasitize caterpillars of noctuid moths. The specific epithet 'eremicus' suggests an association with arid or desert habitats.
Poecilanthrax fasciatus
Poecilanthrax fasciatus is a species of bee fly (family Bombyliidae) described by Johnson & Johnson in 1957. As a member of the genus Poecilanthrax, it belongs to the tribe Villini within the subfamily Anthracinae. Bee flies in this family are generally known as parasitoids, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Poecilanthrax fuliginosus
Poecilanthrax fuliginosus is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, subfamily Anthracinae. The genus Poecilanthrax is strictly North American in distribution, with the greatest species abundance in the Great Basin region. Larvae of Poecilanthrax species develop as parasitoids inside caterpillars, primarily of cutworms and armyworms in the family Noctuidae. The specific epithet "fuliginosus" (sooty or soot-black) suggests dark coloration, though detailed species-level description is limited in available sources.
Poecilanthrax hyalinipennis
Poecilanthrax hyalinipennis is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, described by Painter & Hall in 1960. The genus Poecilanthrax is strictly North American, with greatest abundance in the Great Basin region. Larvae of related species develop as parasites inside caterpillars of cutworms and armyworms (family Noctuidae), though the specific life history of P. hyalinipennis has not been documented.
Poecilanthrax lucifer
Poecilanthrax lucifer is a species of bee fly (family Bombyliidae) in the genus Poecilanthrax, a strictly North American group. Adults are distinguished by conspicuous black and yellow tomentose crossbands on the abdomen and yellow or tan bases on the larger wing veins that contrast with the remainder of the wing pattern. The species has a notably wide distribution, occurring in the West Indies, southern Gulf States, Central America, and northward into Arkansas and southern Illinois. Larvae develop as parasites inside caterpillars of cutworms and armyworms (family Noctuidae), with documented hosts including fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda). Uniquely among its genus, P. lucifer has also been reported as a hyperparasite of Myzine haemorrhoidalis (family Tiphiidae), a primary parasite of white grubs (genus Phyllophaga) in Puerto Rico.
Poecilanthrax monticola
Poecilanthrax monticola is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, described by Johnson & Johnson in 1957. The species is distributed in western North America, ranging from British Columbia and Alberta southward to Nebraska, Utah, and Colorado. As a member of the genus Poecilanthrax, it likely shares the parasitic larval lifestyle typical of the genus, developing inside caterpillars of noctuid moths, though specific life history details for this species remain undocumented.
Poecilanthrax nigripennis
Poecilanthrax nigripennis is a species of bee fly (family Bombyliidae) described by Cole in 1917. The genus Poecilanthrax is strictly North American, with greatest species diversity in the Great Basin region. Members of this genus are parasitoids whose larvae develop inside caterpillars, primarily of noctuid moths (cutworms and armyworms).
Poecilanthrax poecilogaster
Poecilanthrax poecilogaster is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, described by Osten Sacken in 1886. The genus Poecilanthrax is strictly North American, with the greatest diversity in the Great Basin region. Like other members of this genus, P. poecilogaster likely develops as a parasitoid of noctuid caterpillars, though specific host records for this species remain unconfirmed. Adults are typically observed visiting flowers or perching on vegetation in open, sunny habitats.
Poecilanthrax sackenii
Poecilanthrax sackenii is a North American bee fly in the family Bombyliidae. The genus Poecilanthrax contains approximately 35 species distributed from Canada through Central America, with greatest diversity in the Great Basin region. Larvae of Poecilanthrax species develop as parasitoids within caterpillars of cutworms and armyworms (family Noctuidae). The species P. sackenii specifically has been documented as a parasitoid of grasshoppers, with the tangleveined fly Neorhynchocephalus sackenii (originally described as Sackenia sackenii) being a principal dipterous parasite of the valley grasshopper (Oedaleonotus enigma) and ebony grasshopper (Boopedon nubilum).
Poecilanthrax tegminipennis
bee fly
Poecilanthrax tegminipennis is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae. It is widespread across Canada and the United States. The genus Poecilanthrax is strictly North American, with the greatest abundance of species and individuals in the Great Basin region. Like other members of the genus, P. tegminipennis is presumed to have larvae that develop as parasites inside caterpillars, though specific host records for this species are not documented.