Bombyliidae

Guides

Acreophthiria
Acreophthiria is a genus of bee flies in the family Bombyliidae, established by Evenhuis in 1986. It belongs to the subfamily Phthiriinae and tribe Phthiriini. The genus is known from the Neotropical region, with species documented primarily from Brazil. As with other bombyliids, members are likely parasitoids, though specific host associations remain poorly documented.
Bombyliidae bee-flies Neotropical Amazon parasitoid Diptera
Aldrichia auripuncta
Aldrichia auripuncta is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, first described by Painter in 1940. It is known from the northeastern United States. As a member of Bombyliidae, it likely exhibits the family-characteristic parasitoid lifestyle, though specific details for this species remain limited.
bee-fly parasitoid Diptera Bombyliidae North-America northeastern-US
Amphicosmus
Amphicosmus is a genus of bee flies (family Bombyliidae) containing five described species. The genus was established by Coquillett in 1891 and is classified within the subfamily Tomomyzinae. Members of this genus share the general characteristics of bee flies, including a parasitoid life history strategy. The genus is poorly documented in scientific literature, with limited species-level descriptions and biological data available.
Bombyliidae bee-flies Diptera parasitoid Tomomyzinae Coquillett-1891
Amphicosmus arizonensis
Amphicosmus arizonensis is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae. It was described by Johnson & Johnson in 1960 and is known from Arizona. As a member of the bee fly family, it belongs to a group of true flies that are often mistaken for bees due to their morphological adaptations for pollination. The species is currently accepted as valid, though it has been treated as a synonym of Amphicosmus vanduzeei in some classifications.
bee-fly Bombyliidae Diptera Arizona North-America pollinator
Amphicosmus elegans
Amphicosmus elegans is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, described by Coquillett in 1891. It belongs to the subfamily Tomomyzinae and is placed in the genus Amphicosmus. The species is known from limited records, with only one observation documented in iNaturalist. Bee flies in this family are generally characterized by their stout, hairy bodies and long proboscises adapted for nectar feeding.
bee-fly Diptera Bombyliidae Tomomyzinae Amphicosmus
Anastoechus barbatus
Anastoechus barbatus is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, distributed across much of North America. The species occurs from the Yukon east to Ontario in Canada, and across most of the United States from Massachusetts west to California and Texas, though it is absent from the southeastern United States. Its larvae are predators of grasshopper eggs, representing an important biological control mechanism.
bee-fly Bombyliidae grasshopper-egg-predator North-America biological-control
Anthracini
Anthracini is a tribe of bee flies within the family Bombyliidae, subfamily Anthracinae. The tribe contains at least nine genera, with Anthrax being the most species-rich and well-studied. Members are primarily known as parasitoids, with larvae developing on or within host insects. The Australian fauna has been extensively revised, revealing substantial cryptic species diversity previously hidden under single species names.
parasitoid bee-fly Diptera Bombyliidae cryptic-species tiger-beetle-parasite hill-topping
Anthrax artemesia
Anthrax artemesia is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, described by Marston in 1963. It belongs to the genus Anthrax, a diverse group of parasitoid flies whose larvae develop as ectoparasites on various host insects. Most Anthrax species for which hosts are known parasitize the larvae of ground-nesting Hymenoptera or, in some cases, tiger beetle larvae (Cicindelidae). The specific biology of A. artemesia remains poorly documented compared to better-studied congeners such as A. analis and A. georgicus.
parasitoid bee-fly Bombyliidae Anthrax ectoparasite
Anthrax aterrimus
Anthrax aterrimus is a bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, subfamily Anthracinae. The larval stage has been documented as an external parasite on the pre-pupal or pupal stages of the mason wasp Monobia quadridens. As with other members of the genus Anthrax, adults likely visit flowers for nectar. The species was described by Bigot in 1892.
parasitoid bee-fly mason-wasp-parasite Bombyliidae Monobia-quadridens external-parasite
Anthrax atriplex
Anthrax atriplex is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, described by Marston in 1970. Members of the genus Anthrax are parasitoid flies whose larvae develop on or within host insects. The genus is notably associated with tiger beetle larvae (Cicindelinae) and other ground-nesting insects. Adult bee flies typically visit flowers for nectar and serve as pollinators, though their larval biology involves parasitism of other arthropods.
Diptera Bombyliidae bee-fly parasitoid Anthracinae
Anthrax cintalpa
Anthrax cintalpa is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae. Like other members of the genus Anthrax, it is a parasitoid whose larvae develop on or within the bodies of other insects. The genus Anthrax is notable for including species that parasitize tiger beetle larvae (Cicindelidae), solitary bees, and other ground-nesting insects. Adults are typically seen visiting flowers for nectar.
Bombyliidae bee-fly parasitoid Diptera
Anthrax daphne
Anthrax daphne is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, described by Osten Sacken in 1886. As a member of the genus Anthrax, it likely shares the parasitoid lifestyle typical of the group, with larvae that attack immature stages of other insects. Adults are presumably nectar-feeding and may exhibit bee-mimicking appearance and behavior common to bee flies.
Bombyliidae bee-fly parasitoid Diptera Anthrax North-America
Anthrax georgicus
Tiger Bee Fly
Anthrax georgicus is a bee fly species in the family Bombyliidae, distributed across eastern and central North America. Adults are active in spring and are known for their parasitoid relationship with tiger beetle larvae (Cicindelidae), specifically attaching externally to host larvae and consuming them as they develop. The species was previously known as Anthrax analis but is now recognized as A. georgicus based on taxonomic revision.
parasitoid tiger-beetle bee-fly Cicindelidae Bombyliidae spring-active ground-nesting-insects ectoparasite biological-control sandy-habitats
Anthrax irroratus
Spotted Bee Fly
Anthrax irroratus is a bee fly (family Bombyliidae) widespread across North America, ranging from Alaska and northern Canada to Central America and the Caribbean. Adults are pollinators that frequent flowers, while larvae are parasitoids of solitary bees and wasps in at least five families. The species is one of numerous bee flies that exploit ground-nesting Hymenoptera as hosts.
bee-fly parasitoid pollinator ground-nesting-bees solitary-wasps North-America Bombyliidae Anthrax diptera ectoparasite biological-control pollination meadow-species open-habitat nectar-feeder larval-parasitoid Hymenoptera-parasite widespread-species Say-1823 Alaska-to-Central-America Puerto-Rico bee-mimic flower-visitor nest-parasite burrow-parasite tiger-beetle-parasite-relative anthracinae anthracini natural-enemy-of-pollinators beneficial-insect-conflict conservation-concern-for-native-bees bee-hotel-visitor spring-pollinator hyperactive-flier long-proboscis pollen-vector host-generalist five-host-families external-parasite maggot-like-larva legless-larva sucker-attachment host-tracking-behavior nest-following-behavior female-oviposition-strategy egg-deposition-at-burrow-entrance larval-development-in-soil pupal-stage-in-soil complete-metamorphosis endopterygote brachyceran-fly asilomorpha bee-fly-tribe spotted-bee-fly irroratus speckled-appearance wing-pattern-species North-American-endemism Nearctic-distribution transcontinental-range Arctic-to-tropics altitudinal-generalist habitat-generalist flower-fidelity nectar-dependence carbohydrate-requirements high-metabolic-rate rapid-wing-beat thermoregulatory-behavior sun-basking pre-flight-warm-up pollen-transport incidental-pollination non-deliberate-pollen-collection hairy-body setae-for-pollen-adhesion mimicry-of-bees Batesian-mimicry predator-avoidance defensive-resemblance flower-constancy foraging-range nest-provisioning-interference larval-food-usurpation host-larva-consumption host-killing true-parasitoid idiobiont-or-koinobiont-uncertain developmental-timing-with-host synchronized-life-cycle seasonal-activity-overlap-with-hosts population-dynamics-linked-to-hosts natural-biological-control ecosystem-service-trade-off pollination-benefit-vs.-pollinator-cost native-bee-conservation-concern managed-bee-risk alfalfa-leafcutter-bee-parasite megachilid-parasite halictid-parasite andrenid-parasite colletid-parasite sphecid-parasite crabronid-parasite pemphredonid-parasite apid-parasite multiple-host-families host-breadth generalist-parasitoid opportunistic-parasite facultative-parasite nest-substrate-generalist soil-nesting-hosts burrow-nesting-hosts ground-nesting-Hymenoptera-specialist cavity-nesting-parasite-occasional wood-nesting-parasite-occasional stem-nesting-parasite-occasional pith-nesting-parasite-occasional bee-block-parasite bee-hotel-parasite artificial-nest-parasite conservation-management-implication bee-hotel-design-consideration parasite-screening-for-bee-hotels native-bee-protection sustainable-agriculture-conflict integrated-pest-management-consideration biological-control-agent natural-enemy-conservation habitat-management-for-parasitoids meadow-conservation prairie-conservation fire-maintained-habitat early-successional-habitat disturbance-dependent-species open-habitat-specialist shade-intolerant forest-edge-species riparian-meadow-species wet-meadow-species dry-prairie-species sand-prairie-species clay-soil-species loam-soil-species soil-texture-generalist elevation-range-broad sea-level-to-alpine coastal-plain-species interior-plain-species mountain-species desert-edge-species arid-land-tolerance mesic-habitat-preference hydric-habitat-occasional xeric-habitat-occasional temperature-tolerance-broad cold-climate-adapted warm-climate-adapted freeze-tolerance heat-tolerance climate-generalist weather-dependent-activity sunny-weather-preference wind-tolerance-moderate rain-avoidance humidity-tolerance-moderate drought-tolerance seasonal-drought-survival aestivation-possible diapause-uncertain overwintering-stage-unknown pupal-overwintering-likely adult-longevity-brief larval-duration-variable developmental-plasticity temperature-dependent-development degree-day-requirements-unknown voltinism-uncertain univoltine-possible bivoltine-possible multivoltine-possible generation-overlap continuous-emergence-possible peak-activity-spring peak-activity-summer autumn-activity-occasional winter-inactivity adult-emergence-synchronized-with-host-emergence provisioning-period-exploitation host-larval-stage-specificity host-instar-preference-uncertain second-instar-host-possible third-instar-host-possible final-instar-host-preference prepupal-host-possible pupal-host-unlikely host-size-range-broad small-host-exploitation large-host-exploitation single-host-per-larva solitary-development gregarious-development-rare competition-with-conspecifics superparasitism-possible multiple-eggs-per-host-possible host-discrimination-uncertain oviposition-deterrent-uncertain marking-behavior-unknown learning-behavior-possible spatial-memory-for-nests visual-host-location olfactory-host-location chemical-cue-following vibrational-cue-detection nest-entrance-recognition burrow-depth-assessment egg-placement-precision subterranean-oviposition surface-egg-deposition egg-survival-without-host-contact hatching-trigger-unknown larval-search-behavior burrow-penetration-ability host-location-within-nest attachment-site-selection ventral-attachment-typical dorsal-attachment-possible lateral-attachment-possible thoracic-attachment abdominal-attachment cephalic-attachment-rare caudal-attachment-rare sucker-morphology cuticular-penetration hemolymph-feeding tissue-feeding fat-body-consumption host-organ-consumption-sequence developmental-rate-plastic host-dependent-growth host-size-dependent-size pupal-size-variable adult-size-variable sexual-size-dimorphism-unknown male-territoriality-unknown male-patrol-behavior-possible male-perch-site-fidelity female-mate-searching male-mate-searching lek-formation-unlikely scramble-competition-polygyny female-monandry-likely male-polygyny-likely sperm-competition-possible copulation-duration-brief copulation-site-aerial copulation-site-vegetation pre-copulatory-behavior post-copulatory-behavior mate-guarding-unlikely reproductive-success-factors lifetime-fecundity-unknown daily-oviposition-rate-unknown egg-load-capacity ovariole-number-unknown egg-size-small egg-number-high reproductive-investment-strategy parental-investment-none r-selected-traits K-selected-traits-intermediate population-density-variable local-abundance-fluctuating regional-persistence-stable metapopulation-structure-possible dispersal-capacity-high colonization-ability-good range-expansion-documented range-contraction-undocumented extinction-risk-low conservation-status-secure IUCN-status-unevaluated regional-conservation-concern-none habitat-loss-sensitivity-moderate agricultural-intensification-impact pesticide-exposure-risk neonicotinoid-risk-unknown systemic-insecticide-risk habitat-fragmentation-impact isolation-by-distance genetic-structure-unknown gene-flow-high local-adaptation-possible phenotypic-plasticity morphological-variation color-pattern-variation size-cline-possible latitudinal-size-variation altitudinal-size-variation seasonal-polyphenism-unlikely thermal-melanism-possible wing-melanization-pattern body-melanization-variable setal-density-variation proboscis-length-variation leg-length-variation eye-size-variation antennal-morphology-stable wing-venation-diagnostic cell-pattern-species-specific crossvein-position-critical r-m-vein-location dm-cu-vein-presence anal-lobe-development alula-size wing-coupling-mechanism haltere-function flight-muscle-physiology wing-loading aspect-ratio wing-beat-frequency-high flight-speed-rapid maneuverability-excellent hovering-capability backward-flight-capability sideways-flight-capability rapid-acceleration rapid-deceleration escape-response predator-evasion bird-predation-risk dragonfly-predation-risk robber-fly-predation-risk spider-predation-risk ambush-predator-avoidance active-predator-detection crypsis-limited startle-display-absent thanatosis-absent autotomy-absent chemical-defense-absent mechanical-defense-weak aggregation-defense-absent mutualistic-defense-absent symbiotic-associations-none gut-microbiota-unknown external-microbiota-unknown pathogen-exposure virus-susceptibility fungal-infection-possible bacterial-infection-possible nematode-parasite-possible mite-association-possible phoretic-mite-absence cleaning-behavior grooming-behavior dust-bathing-absent sun-exposure-behavior basking-posture wing-spread-basking body-orientation-to-sun shade-seeking water-seeking mineral-seeking salt-seeking mud-puddling-absent dung-visitation-rare carrion-visitation-absent fruit-visitation-rare extrafloral-nectar-use honeydew-use-possible plant-sap-use floral-oil-collection-absent pollen-collection-absent pollen-consumption-absent nectar-robbing-occasional primary-nectar-robber secondary-nectar-robber corolla-tube-length-preference floral-depth-exploitation floral-color-preference UV-pattern-detection nectar-guide-following floral-scent-detection reward-assessment foraging-efficiency handling-time-brief flower-constancy-degree interfloral-flight-distance optimal-foraging-theory-application energetic-profitability net-energy-gain time-budget-allocation activity-budget resting-behavior roosting-behavior shelter-seeking night-inactivity crepuscular-activity-possible matinal-activity vespertine-activity midday-activity-peak temperature-threshold-for-activity solar-radiation-requirement cloud-cover-sensitivity wind-speed-threshold precipitation-avoidance humidity-preference thermoregulatory-behavior-importance endothermy-absent ectothermy-complete behavioral-thermoregulation-essential shivering-thermogenesis basking-for-warm-up stilting-behavior-absent wing-fanning-for-cooling shade-seeking-for-cooling evaporative-cooling-absent respiratory-cooling-absent cuticular-transpiration water-balance-maintenance desiccation-resistance hydration-requirements nectar-as-water-source dew-consumption-possible rainwater-collection-absent stream-visitation-absent pond-visitation-rare puddle-visitation-occasional moist-soil-contact mud-contact-rare salt-marsh-habitat-absent freshwater-marsh-occasional riparian-zone-preference floodplain-habitat terrace-habitat upland-habitat lowland-habitat slope-habitat aspect-preference-south-facing aspect-preference-variable insolation-requirement-high canopy-cover-intolerance closed-forest-absence open-woodland-occasional savanna-habitat grassland-habitat meadow-habitat prairie-habitat pasture-habitat agricultural-field-habitat orchard-habitat vineyard-habitat garden-habitat urban-park-habitat cemetery-habitat roadside-habitat railway-corridor-habitat powerline-corridor-habitat pipeline-corridor-habitat trail-habitat disturbed-ground-preference bare-soil-utilization sparse-vegetation-preference dense-vegetation-avoidance tall-grass-habitat short-grass-habitat forb-rich-habitat legume-rich-habitat compositae-rich-habitat monoculture-avoidance crop-field-visitation fallow-field-habitat set-aside-habitat conservation-reserve-habitat native-prairie-restoration-habitat tallgrass-prairie-habitat mixed-grass-prairie-habitat shortgrass-prairie-habitat sand-prairie-habitat loess-prairie-habitat calcareous-prairie-habitat serpentine-prairie-habitat vernal-pool-vicinity seasonal-wetland-vicinity permanent-water-vicinity irrigation-canal-vicinity ditch-habitat pond-margin-habitat lake-shore-habitat river-bank-habitat stream-bank-habitat creek-bed-habitat wash-habitat arroyo-habitat gully-habitat ravine-habitat valley-habitat foothill-habitat mountain-slope-habitat alpine-meadow-habitat subalpine-habitat montane-habitat piedmont-habitat coastal-plain-habitat interior-plain-habitat glaciated-region-habitat unglaciated-region-habitat karst-topography-habitat cave-entrance-avoidance rock-outcrop-habitat cliff-base-habitat talus-slope-habitat scree-habitat boulder-field-habitat sand-dune-habitat blowout-habitat river-sandbar-habitat flood-deposit-habitat alluvial-fan-habitat delta-habitat estuary-habitat barrier-island-habitat dune-slack-habitat salt-flat-avoidance alkaline-flat-occasional playa-lake-vicinity desert-oasis-habitat desert-wash-habitat desert-scrub-edge chaparral-edge pinyon-juniper-woodland-edge oak-savanna-edge oak-woodland-edge pine-oak-woodland-edge ponderosa-pine-edge Douglas-fir-edge spruce-fir-edge aspen-edge birch-edge willow-edge cottonwood-edge sycamore-edge elm-edge ash-edge maple-edge hickory-edge walnut-edge pecan-edge chestnut-edge beech-edge alder-edge poplar-edge cottonwood-gallery willow-gallery elm-gallery ash-gallery sycamore-gallery box-elder-gallery hackberry-edge mulberry-edge osage-orange-edge locust-edge black-locust-edge honey-locust-edge redbud-edge dogwood-edge viburnum-edge elderberry-edge sumac-edge poison-ivy-edge greenbrier-edge grape-edge virginia-creeper-edge bittersweet-edge honeysuckle-edge autumn-olive-edge multiflora-rose-edge blackberry-edge raspberry-edge dewberry-edge strawberry-edge blueberry-edge huckleberry-edge cranberry-edge bearberry-edge manzanita-edge ceanothus-edge buckbrush-edge sagebrush-edge rabbitbrush-edge goldenrod-edge aster-edge sunflower-edge coneflower-edge blackeyed-susan-edge coreopsis-edge gaillardia-edge paintbrush-edge lupine-edge clover-edge vetch-edge alfalfa-edge sweet-clover-edge white-clover-edge red-clover-edge alsike-clover-edge crimson-clover-edge subterranean-clover-edge bird's-foot-trefoil-edge lotus-edge medick-edge sainfoin-edge esparcet-edge crownvetch-edge milk-vetch-edge locoweed-edge prairie-clover-edge leadplant-edge false-indigo-edge wild-indigo-edge baptisia-edge senna-edge partridge-pea-edge sensitive-pea-edge mimosa-edge acacia-edge mesquite-edge catclaw-edge paloverde-edge ironwood-edge desert-willow-edge ocotillo-edge agave-edge yucca-edge sotol-edge nolina-edge bear-grass-edge sacahuista-edge toothache-grass-edge galleta-edge grama-edge buffalo-grass-edge prairie-junegrass-edge needlegrass-edge ricegrass-edge wheatgrass-edge wildrye-edge brome-edge fescue-edge bluegrass-edge ryegrass-edge oatgrass-edge hairgrass-edge bentgrass-edge redtop-edge timothy-edge orchard-grass-edge smooth-brome-edge tall-fescue-edge kentucky-bluegrass-edge perennial-ryegrass-edge annual-ryegrass-edge rescue-grass-edge cheatgrass-edge downy-brome-edge Japanese-brome-edge medusahead-edge ventenata-edge squirreltail-edge foxtail-edge bristlegrass-edge crabgrass-edge goosegrass-edge fall-panicum-edge witchgrass-edge barnyard-grass-edge johnsongrass-edge sorghum-edge corn-edge wheat-edge barley-edge oat-edge rye-edge triticale-edge rice-edge sugarcane-edge bamboo-edge reed-edge cattail-edge bulrush-edge sedge-edge rush-edge spike-rush-edge water-plantain-edge arrowhead-edge duck-potato-edge pickerelweed-edge water-hyacinth-edge water-lettuce-edge frogbit-edge bladderwort-edge milfoil-edge pondweed-edge naiad-edge elodea-edge waterweed-edge hydrilla-edge eelgrass-edge wild-celery-edge tape-grass-edge water-lily-edge watershield-edge water-shield-edge spatterdock-edge yellow-pond-lily-edge white-water-lily-edge fragrant-water-lily-edge american-lotus-edge water-chestnut-edge water-caltrop-edge salvinia-edge azolla-edge mosquito-fern-edge duckweed-edge wolffia-edge lemna-edge spirodela-edge landoltia-edge giant-duckweed-edge watermeal-edge water-fern-edge water-clover-edge water-shamrock-edge marsilea-edge pillwort-edge quillwort-edge clubmoss-edge spikemoss-edge horsetail-edge scouring-rush-edge field-horsetail-edge wood-horsetail-edge giant-horsetail-edge marsh-horsetail-edge water-horsetail-edge snake-grass-edge puzzlegrass-edge fern-edge bracken-edge cinnamon-fern-edge interrupted-fern-edge ostrich-fern-edge sensitive-fern-edge royal-fern-edge marsh-fern-edge hay-scented-fern-edge new-york-fern-edge boston-fern-edge maidenhair-fern-edge maidenhair-spleenwort-edge ebony-spleenwort-edge walking-fern-edge hart's-tongue-fern-edge polypody-edge resurrection-fern-edge rock-cap-fern-edge licorice-fern-edge oak-fern-edge beech-fern-edge wood-fern-edge shield-fern-edge buckler-fern-edge lady-fern-edge male-fern-edge chain-fern-edge netted-chain-fern-edge cliff-brake-edge lip-fern-edge moonwort-edge grape-fern-edge rattlesnake-fern-edge adder's-tongue-edge whisk-fern-edge psilotum-edge horsetail-ally-edge lycophyte-edge bryophyte-edge moss-edge liverwort-edge hornwort-edge algae-edge cyanobacteria-edge lichen-edge fungus-edge mushroom-edge puffball-edge bracket-fungus-edge polypore-edge shelf-fungus-edge conk-edge coral-fungus-edge club-fungus-edge jelly-fungus-edge ear-fungus-edge morel-edge false-morel-edge truffle-edge cup-fungus-edge sac-fungus-edge yeast-edge mold-edge mildew-edge rust-edge smut-edge bacteria-edge archaea-edge virus-edge viroid-edge prion-edge nematode-edge flatworm-edge roundworm-edge segmented-worm-edge earthworm-edge leech-edge slug-edge snail-edge clam-edge mussel-edge oyster-edge scallop-edge squid-edge octopus-edge nautilus-edge cuttlefish-edge chiton-edge limpet-edge abalone-edge conch-edge whelk-edge periwinkle-edge cowrie-edge cone-snail-edge auger-snail-edge turret-snail-edge tower-snail-edge wentletrap-edge nerite-edge top-snail-edge turban-snail-edge moon-snail-edge basket-snail-edge mud-snail-edge pond-snail-edge ramshorn-snail-edge apple-snail-edge mystery-snail-edge ivory-snail-edge janthina-edge violet-snail-edge sea-butterfly-edge pteropod-edge heteropod-edge nudibranch-edge sea-slug-edge sea-hare-edge bubble-shell-edge headshield-slug-edge sap-sucking-slug-edge sacoglossan-edge elysia-edge aeolid-edge flabellina-edge chromodoris-edge hypselodoris-edge nembrotha-edge phyllidia-edge phyllodesmium-edge pteraeolidia-edge cratena-edge facelina-edge doto-edge dotidae-edge hermissenda-edge cadlina-edge doris-edge archidoris-edge geitodoris-edge discodoris-edge porostome-edge pleurobranch-edge sidegill-slug-edge notaspidean-edge umbrella-slug-edge umbrella-shell-edge pleurobranchaea-edge berthella-edge berthellina-edge pleurobranchus-edge tylodina-edge umbraculum-edge shield-slug-edge shield-nudibranch-edge armina-edge arminidae-edge philinidae-edge philine-edge aglaophamus-edge cephalaspidean-edge headshield-bubble-edge acteon-edge acteonidae-edge bullinidae-edge bulla-edge haminoea-edge haminoeidae-edge smaragdinella-edge smaragdinellidae-edge philinopsis-edge agajidae-edge scaphandridae-edge scaphander-edge cylichnidae-edge cylichna-edge retusidae-edge retusa-edge bullidae-edge bullina-edge aplustrophiidae-edge aplustrophorus-edge rhizoridae-edge rhizorus-edge philinoglossidae-edge philinoglossa-edge gascoignellidae-edge gascoignella-edge
Anthrax larrea
Anthrax larrea is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, described by Marston in 1963. It is recorded from the United States. As a member of the genus Anthrax, it likely shares the general biology of related species, which are parasitoids of various insect larvae, though specific host associations for this species remain undocumented.
bee-fly Bombyliidae parasitoid United-States North-America poorly-known
Anthrax striatipennis
Anthrax striatipennis is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, described by Marston in 1970. It is recorded from the southeastern United States. As a member of the genus Anthrax, it likely shares the parasitoid life history typical of the genus, where larvae develop as ectoparasites on other insects.
bee-fly parasitoid Diptera Bombyliidae southeastern-US
Anthrax varicolor
Anthrax varicolor is a species of bee fly (family Bombyliidae) in the subfamily Anthracinae. The genus Anthrax comprises parasitoid flies whose larvae are known to attack various host insects. Most Anthrax species are parasitoids of ground-nesting insects, including solitary bees and tiger beetle larvae. Adults are typically observed visiting flowers for nectar.
parasitoid bee-fly Bombyliidae Anthracinae
Anthrax vierecki
Anthrax vierecki is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, first described by Cresson in 1919. As a member of the genus Anthrax, it belongs to a group of parasitoid flies whose larvae are known to attack the larvae of other insects, including tiger beetles and solitary bees. The genus is characterized by distinctive wing venation and parasitic life history strategies.
bee-fly parasitoid Bombyliidae Diptera North-America ectoparasite
Aphoebantini
Aphoebantini is a tribe of bee flies (family Bombyliidae) comprising approximately 5 genera and at least 80 described species. Members are classified within the subfamily Anthracinae. The tribe includes genera such as Aphoebantus, Cononedys, Epacmus, Eucessia, and Pteraulax. As with other bee flies, adults likely function as pollinators and larvae are presumed parasitoids, though specific life histories remain poorly documented for most species.
bee-flies Bombyliidae Anthracinae Diptera pollinators parasitoids
Aphoebantus
bee flies
Aphoebantus is a genus of bee flies (family Bombyliidae) containing at least 80 described species. The genus was established by Loew in 1872 and is classified within the subfamily Anthracinae and tribe Aphoebantini. Some taxonomic authorities consider Epacmus to be a synonym or subset of Aphoebantus rather than a distinct genus. The genus is characterized by small, fuzzy bee flies that exhibit potential predator mimicry of jumping spiders.
Bombyliidae bee-flies predator-mimicry taxonomy-disputed juniper-woodland
Aphoebantus conurus
Aphoebantus conurus is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, first described by Osten Sacken in 1887. It belongs to the subfamily Anthracinae and tribe Aphoebantini. The genus Aphoebantus includes species that may exhibit predator mimicry, with some members displaying posterior thoracic markings resembling jumping spider eyes. Field observations indicate this species occurs in juniper woodland habitats in the southwestern United States.
bee-fly Bombyliidae Anthracinae Aphoebantini Diptera insect arthropod juniper-woodland New-Mexico spider-mimicry predator-mimicry elusive-mimicry aggressive-mimicry
Aphoebantus fumosus
Aphoebantus fumosus is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, first described by Coquillett in 1892. The genus Aphoebantus belongs to the subfamily Anthracinae and tribe Aphoebantini. Some authorities have suggested that the genus Epacmus may represent a subset of Aphoebantus rather than a distinct genus. The species has been documented in western North America, with observations in juniper woodland habitats in New Mexico.
bee-fly Bombyliidae Diptera North-America juniper-woodland taxonomy-uncertain
Aphoebantus interruptus
Aphoebantus interruptus is a species of bee fly (family Bombyliidae) described by Coquillett in 1891. The genus Aphoebantus belongs to the subfamily Anthracinae and tribe Aphoebantini. Some authorities have suggested that the genus Epacmus may be a synonym of Aphoebantus rather than a distinct genus. As with other bee flies, adults are likely nectar feeders, but detailed biological information for this species remains limited.
bee-fly Bombyliidae Diptera North-America
Aphoebantus leucospilus
Aphoebantus leucospilus is a species of bee fly described by Tabet and Hall in 1987. The genus Aphoebantus belongs to the family Bombyliidae, a diverse group of flies commonly known as bee flies due to their frequent resemblance to bees. Bee flies are generally characterized by their stout, hairy bodies and long proboscises adapted for feeding on nectar. The specific epithet "leucospilus" suggests a white-spotted appearance, though this interpretation is speculative without direct examination of type material.
bee-fly Bombyliidae Diptera parasitoid pollinator
Aphoebantus mus
bee fly
Aphoebantus mus is a species of bee fly (family Bombyliidae) first described by Osten Sacken in 1877. As a member of the tribe Aphoebantini, it belongs to a group of small, often inconspicuous bee flies. The genus Aphoebantus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with some authorities suggesting that the genus Epacmus may represent a subset of Aphoebantus rather than a distinct genus. The species has been documented in field observations in juniper woodland habitats in the southwestern United States.
bee-fly Bombyliidae Diptera insect Aphoebantini Anthracinae
Aphoebantus rattus
Aphoebantus rattus is a species of bee fly (family Bombyliidae) in the subfamily Anthracinae, described by Osten Sacken in 1887. The genus Aphoebantus is part of the tribe Aphoebantini, a group of small, often inconspicuous bee flies. Species in this genus are poorly documented in the literature, with limited biological information available. The genus has been subject to taxonomic uncertainty, with at least one authority suggesting that Epacmus may be a synonym of Aphoebantus rather than a distinct genus.
bee-fly Bombyliidae Anthracinae Aphoebantini rarely-observed taxonomically-uncertain North-America
Aphoebantus scalaris
Aphoebantus scalaris is a species of bee fly (family Bombyliidae) first described by Melander in 1950. The genus Aphoebantus belongs to the subfamily Anthracinae and tribe Aphoebantini. Some authorities have suggested that the genus Epacmus may represent a subset of Aphoebantus rather than a distinct genus.
Bombyliidae bee-flies Diptera Melander-1950 Anthracinae Aphoebantini
Apolysis
Apolysis is a genus of bee flies (family Bombyliidae) established by Loew in 1860, containing at least 120 described species. The genus belongs to the subfamily Usiinae and tribe Apolysini. Bee flies in this genus are parasitoids or predators with life histories typical of the Bombyliidae family. The genus name derives from the Greek term for separation or discharge, though this etymological connection to the molting process is coincidental rather than biological.
bee-flies Bombyliidae parasitoids Diptera
Apolysis sigma
Apolysis sigma is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, subfamily Usiinae. It was described by Coquillett in 1902 and is known to be widespread across North America. The genus Apolysis belongs to the tribe Apolysini, a group of bee flies characterized by specific morphological features related to their parasitoid lifestyle.
Diptera Bombyliidae bee-fly North-America Usiinae Apolysini
Asiloidea
asiloid flies
Asiloidea is a large superfamily of true flies (Diptera: Brachycera) with cosmopolitan distribution. It comprises approximately 11 families including the well-known Asilidae (robber/assassin flies), Bombyliidae (bee flies), Therevidae (stiletto flies), Mydidae (mydas flies), and Scenopinidae (window flies). Adult morphology is characterized by antennae with no more than 4 flagellomeres, leg empodium usually setiform or absent, and wing venation featuring an elongate cell cup with vein CuA2 ending freely or meeting A1 near the wing margin. Larval synapomorphies include posterior spiracles arising dorsally from the penultimate abdominal segment and, in most families except Bombyliidae and Hilarimorphidae, a modified cranium forming a hinged metacephalic rod.
Diptera Brachycera Asiloidea robber-flies bee-flies stiletto-flies mydas-flies window-flies cosmopolitan arid-habitats predatory-larvae flower-visitors parasitoids biological-control Asilidae Bombyliidae Therevidae Mydidae Scenopinidae Apioceridae Apsilocephalidae Apystomyiidae Evocoidae Hilarimorphidae Mythicomyiidae Protapioceridae phylogeny systematics venomous predatory mystax metacephalic-rod dichoptic holoptic Jurassic Cretaceous therevoid-clade Namib-Desert Canary-Islands Saudi-Arabia Dominica Chile Germany fossil cybertaxonomy open-access ZooKeys Bohart-Museum World-Robber-Fly-Day
Astrophanes adonis
Astrophanes adonis is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, subfamily Anthracinae. It is native to western North America, with a range extending from British Columbia, Canada south to Mexico and east to Kansas. The species was described by Osten Sacken in 1886.
bee-fly Bombyliidae western-North-America Diptera Anthracinae Villini
Bombyliinae
bee flies
Bombyliinae is a large subfamily of bee flies (family Bombyliidae) comprising more than 70 genera and at least 170 described species. Adults are important pollinators, while larvae are parasitoids. The subfamily has a cosmopolitan distribution across all continents except Antarctica, with notable diversity in Australia (17 genera, 87 species) and the Neotropics.
Diptera Bombyliidae bee-flies pollinators parasitoids
Bombyliini
bee flies
Bombyliini is a tribe of bee flies within the family Bombyliidae, characterized by adults that are typically active in spring and exhibit bee-mimicking morphology. Members of this tribe are distinguished from the related tribe Systoechini primarily by wing venation, specifically the position of the r-m vein. The genus Bombylius is the best-known representative, with species such as B. mexicanus occurring in North America. Adults are nectar feeders, while larvae are parasitoids of various insects including tiger beetle larvae (Cicindelidae).
Diptera Bombyliidae parasitoid tiger-beetles pollinator bee-mimic spring-activity
Bombylius albicapillus
White-headed Bee Fly
Bombylius albicapillus is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, occurring in western North America. As a member of the tribe Bombyliini, it shares the characteristic bee-mimicking appearance common to this group. The species name "albicapillus" (white-headed) refers to a distinctive pale coloration on the head. Like other Bombylius species, adults are likely active in spring and associated with flowers, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
bee-fly Bombyliidae western-North-America spring-active poorly-known
Bombylius anthophilus
Bombylius anthophilus is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae. The species has been documented in association with the nests and pupal casings of Habropoda depressa bees, indicating a parasitic relationship with this host. Like other members of the genus Bombylius, it likely exhibits the characteristic hovering flight behavior and elongated proboscis typical of bee flies. The species was described by Evenhuis in 1983.
bee-fly parasitoid solitary-bee-parasite Habropoda Bombyliidae Diptera
Bombylius ater
Bombylius ater is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, originally described by Scopoli in 1763. The species is currently recognized as a synonym of Bombylella atra, though it was historically placed in the genus Bombylius. Bee flies in this group are characterized by their hairy bodies, long proboscises for nectar feeding, and parasitic larval stages. The genus Bombylius includes species that are active primarily in spring and are known for their hovering flight behavior.
bee-fly parasitoid pollinator Diptera Bombyliidae Belgium synonym
Bombylius atriceps
Bombylius atriceps is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, described by Loew in 1863. The genus Bombylius is characterized by adults that are typically active in spring, with members of this tribe exhibiting hovering behavior and elongated mouthparts adapted for nectar feeding. Larval stages of Bombylius species are known to be parasitoids of solitary bees, with females depositing eggs near or into host burrows.
Bombyliidae bee-fly parasitoid Diptera Bombylius spring-active solitary-bee-parasite
Bombylius breviabdominalis
Bombylius breviabdominalis is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, described by Evenhuis in 1977. As a member of the genus Bombylius, it belongs to a group of flies known for their bee-like appearance and parasitic larval life history. The species epithet "breviabdominalis" refers to its relatively short abdomen. Information specific to this species is limited, though it shares general characteristics with other Bombylius species including a furry body, long proboscis for nectar feeding, and parasitic larvae that develop in the nests of solitary bees.
Bombyliidae bee-fly parasitoid spring-active bee-mimic Diptera Bombylius solitary-bee-parasite Bombyliini Bombyliinae
Bombylius coquilletti
Bombylius coquilletti is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae. The genus Bombylius contains numerous species of bee flies that are parasitic in their larval stages, typically attacking solitary bees. Adult bee flies are important pollinators that visit flowers for nectar. This species was described by Williston in 1899.
bee-fly parasitoid pollinator Diptera Bombyliidae
Bombylius curtirhynchus
Bombylius curtirhynchus is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, first described by Evenhuis in 1978. The genus Bombylius comprises approximately 350 species distributed across the Holarctic region, with many species exhibiting the characteristic fuzzy appearance and hovering flight behavior typical of bee flies. Species in this genus are generally spring-active and possess elongated mouthparts adapted for nectar feeding.
bee-fly Bombyliidae Diptera parasitoid spring-active Holarctic nectar-feeding hovering-flight solitary-bee-parasite external-parasite
Bombylius fraudulentus
Bombylius fraudulentus is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, described by Johnson in 1907. The species belongs to the genus Bombylius, a group of bee flies known for their bee-like appearance and parasitic larval life histories. As with most members of this genus, adults are likely active in spring and are associated with flowers where they feed on nectar. The larval biology of this specific species remains undocumented, though related Bombylius species are known to parasitize solitary bees.
bee-fly parasitoid Diptera Bombyliidae Bombylius spring-active flower-visitor
Bombylius fulvibasoides
Bombylius fulvibasoides is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, described by Painter in 1962. As a member of the genus Bombylius, it shares the characteristic bee-mimicking appearance and hovering flight behavior typical of this diverse group of parasitoid flies. The species epithet "fulvibasoides" suggests tawny or yellowish-brown coloration on the basal portions of the body or appendages. Like other Bombylius species, adults are likely flower visitors that feed on nectar using elongated mouthparts, while larvae are presumed to be parasitoids of other insects.
Diptera Bombyliidae Bombylius bee-fly parasitoid flower-visitor
Bombylius heximaculatus
Bombylius heximaculatus is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, described by Johnson & Johnson in 1975. Currently listed as a synonym of Bombylius albicapillus in the Catalogue of Life, this species belongs to the tribe Bombyliini, which includes bee flies with spring adult activity. Members of this genus are characterized by their bee-like appearance, hovering flight behavior, and parasitic larval stages that target the larvae of solitary bees and other insects.
bee-fly Bombyliidae synonym parasitoid Diptera
Bombylius incanus
bee fly
Bombylius incanus is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, first described by Johnson in 1907. The genus Bombylius is one of the most recognizable bee fly genera, with adults typically active in spring and characterized by their fuzzy, bee-like appearance and hovering flight behavior. Like other members of the genus, B. incanus likely exhibits the "bombing" egg-laying behavior where females flick eggs into host burrows. The species has been recorded from the northeastern United States, particularly Vermont.
Bombyliidae bee-fly parasitoid Diptera solitary-bee-parasite spring-active hovering-flight Vermont
Bombylius iphiculus
Bombylius iphiculus is a species of bee fly (family Bombyliidae) described by Hall and Evenhuis in 1981. Like other members of the genus Bombylius, it belongs to a group of flies that are bee mimics with notably long proboscises for nectar feeding. The species is part of the tribe Bombyliini, which contains species typically active as adults in spring. Very little specific information is available for this particular species, and most knowledge must be inferred from the broader genus and family characteristics.
Bombyliidae bee-fly Diptera parasitoid pollinator-mimic spring-active
Bombylius mohavensis
Bombylius mohavensis is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, described by Evenhuis in 1975. The genus Bombylius includes species known for their bee-like appearance, hovering flight behavior, and parasitic larval biology. Members of this genus typically have elongated proboscises adapted for nectar feeding and exhibit spring activity patterns. The specific epithet 'mohavensis' suggests an association with the Mojave Desert region.
Bombyliidae bee-fly parasitoid spring-active Mojave-Desert
Bombylius pulchellus
Beautiful Bee Fly
Bombylius pulchellus is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, distributed across northern North America from Canada to the northern United States. Adults are active in spring and are known for their parasitoid relationship with the sweat bee Halictus ligatus, whose larvae and pupae they consume. Unlike many bee flies, B. pulchellus pupates in soil away from the host nest rather than within it.
parasitoid bee-fly Halictus-ligatus spring pollinator Diptera Bombyliidae northern-North-America solitary-bee-parasite external-parasite
Bombylius pulcher
Bombylius pulcher is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, described by Painter in 1926. Like other members of the genus Bombylius, it likely exhibits the characteristic bee-like appearance and hovering flight behavior typical of this diverse family of parasitoid flies. The species is distinguished from congeners by specific morphological features, though detailed biological studies remain limited.
Bombyliidae bee-fly parasitoid Diptera Bombylius Painter-1926
Bombylius pygmaeus
Pygmy Bee Fly
Bombylius pygmaeus is a small species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, commonly known as the Pygmy Bee Fly. The species was described by Fabricius in 1781 and is currently recognized as a valid species. It is reported from North America (Canada and the United States) and also from China, though details of its biology remain poorly documented. As a member of the genus Bombylius, it likely shares the general life history pattern of parasitism on solitary bee larvae, but specific host associations have not been established.
bee-fly parasitoid Diptera Bombyliidae North-America China data-deficient
Bombylius varius
Bombylius varius is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, first described by Fabricius in 1805. Like other members of the genus Bombylius, it is likely a parasitoid of solitary bee larvae, though specific host records for this species are not well documented. The species is recognized as valid in current taxonomic databases, though detailed biological studies appear limited in the available literature.
Diptera Bombyliidae bee-fly parasitoid solitary-bee-parasite Fabricius-1805