Bumble-bee-mimic
Guides
Anthophora
Common Digger Bees, Digger Bees
Anthophora is a large genus of solitary bees in the family Apidae, comprising over 450 species across 14 subgenera. These bees are most diverse in the Holarctic and African biogeographic regions. All species are solitary, though many nest in large aggregations. Nearly all species excavate nests in soil, either in banks or flat ground, with larvae developing in waterproof-lined cells without cocoons. Some species, notably Anthophora bomboides, are bumble bee mimics and construct distinctive turret-like nest entrances.
Anthophora walshii
Walsh's anthophora
Anthophora walshii is a species of anthophorine bee in the family Apidae. It is found in North America. Males and females exhibit sexual dimorphism in size, with males generally larger than females. Males can reach up to 16 mm in length with an abdomen breadth of 6 mm, while females grow to approximately 14 mm in length with an abdomen breadth of 5 mm. The species is part of the diverse Anthophora genus, which includes many digger bee species.
Criorhina nigriventris
bare-cheeked bumble fly
Criorhina nigriventris is an uncommon species of syrphid fly known as the bare-cheeked bumble fly. Adults are flower visitors that feed on nectar and pollen. The species exhibits bumble bee mimicry, a common defensive adaptation in the genus Criorhina. Larval development occurs in decaying wood. The species has been documented across northern North America with scattered records in the Appalachian region.
Criorhina tricolor
Tricoloured Bumblefly
Criorhina tricolor is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Tricoloured Bumblefly. It is a bumble bee mimic, resembling species in the genus Bombus. The species was described by Coquillett in 1900 and is found in North America.
Cuterebra
rodent bots, Glire Bot Flies
Cuterebra is a genus of New World bot flies (subfamily Cuterebrinae) comprising approximately 78 species that parasitize rodents and lagomorphs. Adults are large, robust flies resembling bumble bees, with non-functional mouthparts and short lifespans devoted entirely to reproduction. Females oviposit near host burrow entrances; larvae hatch in response to host body heat, enter through natural orifices or wounds, and develop subcutaneously for approximately one month before exiting to pupate in soil. The genus exhibits notable host specificity, with individual species typically restricted to single host species or closely related groups.
Cuterebra austeni
Cuterebra austeni is a species of New World skin bot fly in the family Oestridae. The adult flies are large, bumble bee-sized insects with distinctive black and white coloration. Like other Cuterebra species, adults lack functional mouthparts and live only briefly, fueled entirely by larval fat reserves. The species has been documented exhibiting hilltopping behavior in Arizona, where males gather at elevated sites to locate females.
Cuterebra fontinella fontinella
mouse bot fly, white-footed mouse bot fly
Cuterebra fontinella fontinella is a subspecies of New World bot fly (family Oestridae) that parasitizes small mammals, primarily white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus). The adult flies are large, bumble bee-sized, and lack functional mouthparts, living only briefly to reproduce. Females lay eggs near host burrow entrances; larvae hatch in response to host body heat, enter through orifices or wounds, and develop subcutaneously for approximately one month before exiting to pupate in soil. Despite forming conspicuous warbles that can reach 5% of host body weight, infections appear to have minimal negative impact on host survival and may even correlate with increased longevity in some populations.
Laphria
bumblebee-mimic robber flies
Laphria is a genus of robber flies (Asilidae) established by Meigen in 1803. Species in this genus are notable for their effective mimicry of bumble bees, with hairy bodies and coloration patterns that closely resemble Bombus species. They are predatory as adults, capturing other insects in flight. The genus is distributed across North America and parts of Europe, with records from Scandinavia and the eastern United States.
Laphria aeatus
Laphria aeatus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Walker in 1849. As a member of the genus Laphria, it belongs to a group known for effective bumble bee mimicry. The genus is characterized by thick antennae that distinguish it from similar mimetic genera such as Mallophora.
Laphria affinus
Bee-like Robber Fly
Laphria affinus is a medium-sized robber fly in the family Asilidae, notable as one of several North American species that exhibit effective bumble bee mimicry. The species shares the genus with other bee-mimicking Laphria, distinguished by their dense pile and robust body form that closely resembles Bombus species. These flies are predatory as adults, capturing other insects in flight.
Laphria aimatis
Laphria aimatis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by McAtee in 1919. The genus Laphria includes species known for their effective mimicry of bumble bees (Bombus), with which they share similar coloration and hairiness. These flies are predatory as adults and are often observed perching on vegetation while hunting for prey. The specific epithet 'aimatis' appears to be derived from Greek, though its precise meaning in this context is not documented in available sources.
Laphria aktis
Laphria aktis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by McAtee in 1919. The genus Laphria includes species known for effective bumble bee mimicry, though specific documentation for L. aktis is limited. Observations of this species are sparse, with only 22 records documented in iNaturalist as of the available data.
Laphria apila
Laphria apila is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. It belongs to the genus Laphria, a group known for effective bumble bee mimicry. The species was described by Bromley in 1951. Like other robber flies, it is a predatory insect that captures prey in flight.
Laphria astur
Laphria astur is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, genus Laphria. Members of this genus are notable for their convincing mimicry of bumble bees and carpenter bees, which provides protection from predators and facilitates ambush predation on unsuspecting prey. Like other Laphria species, L. astur likely employs this mimicry to approach small flying beetles and other insects that would otherwise flee from an obvious predator. The genus name derives from Greek mythology, though specific etymology for the epithet 'astur' is not documented in available sources.
Laphria asturina
Laphria asturina is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae), a group of predatory dipterans known for their aggressive hunting behavior. The species was originally described as Bombomima asturina before being transferred to Laphria. Like other members of the genus Laphria, it is likely a bumble bee mimic, though specific documentation of this trait for L. asturina is limited. Robber flies in this genus are notable for their convincing mimicry of hymenopterans, which may provide protection from predators.
Laphria canis
Laphria canis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, a group of predatory flies known for their aggressive hunting behavior. The genus Laphria is notable for species that are effective mimics of bumble bees, a trait that provides protection from predators and aids in ambushing prey. As with other robber flies, L. canis is presumed to be an aerial predator that captures other insects in flight. Specific details about this species remain limited in the available literature.
Laphria champlainii
Laphria champlainii is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. It belongs to the genus Laphria, which includes several bumble bee-mimicking species known for their effective Batesian mimicry. The species was described by Walton in 1910. Like other Laphria species, it is presumed to be an active aerial predator, though specific behavioral and ecological details remain poorly documented.
Laphria cinerea
Laphria cinerea is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. Members of the genus Laphria are known for their effective mimicry of bumble bees. The species was described by Back in 1904. As with other asilids, it is presumed to be an active aerial predator, though specific behavioral observations for this species are limited.
Laphria columbica
Columbian Bee Killer
Laphria columbica is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Francis Walker in 1866. The genus Laphria is notable for species that are effective mimics of bumble bees, and L. columbica appears to follow this pattern. Robber flies in this genus are predatory and often observed perching on vegetation while hunting. The specific epithet "columbica" suggests a connection to the Columbia River region or British Columbia, though the exact etymology is not documented in available sources.
Laphria coquillettii
Coquillett's Bee Killer
A robber fly in the family Asilidae, Laphria coquillettii is a bumble bee mimic that occurs in North America. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits Batesian mimicry of bumble bees (Bombus spp.), gaining protection from predators while also using its bee-like appearance to approach prey. The species was described by McAtee in 1919.
Laphria divisor
Black-waisted Laphria
Laphria divisor is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Black-waisted Laphria. The genus Laphria includes species known for effective bumble bee mimicry, with hairy bodies and thick antennae distinguishing them from similar genera. As a member of the Asilidae, this species is a predatory fly that likely hunts other insects. The specific epithet 'divisor' was established by Nathan Banks in 1917.
Laphria engelhardti
Laphria engelhardti is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. The genus Laphria is known for effective bumble bee mimicry, with species exhibiting hairy bodies and thick antennae that distinguish them from similar genera. This species was described by Bromley in 1931.
Laphria felis
Laphria felis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, found in western North America. It belongs to a genus known for effective bumble bee mimicry, with several species exhibiting dense hair patterns and coloration that closely resemble bumble bees. As with other robber flies, it is presumed to be an active aerial predator. The species was described by Osten Sacken in 1877.
Laphria fernaldi
Laphria fernaldi is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. The genus Laphria is known for effective bumble bee mimicry, with members resembling bees in both appearance and behavior to deceive predators and prey. This species was originally described as Dasyllis fernaldi by Back in 1904 before being transferred to Laphria. Like other robber flies, it is a predatory insect that captures other arthropods in flight.
Laphria flavicollis
Black-tailed Laphria
Laphria flavicollis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. It is recognized as a bumble bee mimic, using its appearance to deceive both predators and prey. The species has been documented in deciduous woodland habitats and is known to occur in the eastern United States. It belongs to a genus noted for particularly effective mimicry of bumble bees.
Laphria franciscana
Laphria franciscana is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. It occurs in northeastern North America, with records from southern Ontario, Manitoba, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and Maine, extending southward to Texas and Florida. The species belongs to a genus noted for effective bumble bee mimicry.
Laphria grossa
giant laphria
Laphria grossa, commonly known as the giant laphria, is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. It belongs to a genus noted for effective bumble bee mimicry, with species in this group recognized as among the most realistic mimics of bumble bees. The species was originally described by Fabricius in 1775 under the basionym Asilus grossus.
Laphria huron
Huron Laphria
Laphria huron is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Bromley in 1929. As a member of the genus Laphria, it belongs to a group known for effective bumble bee mimicry, with several species exhibiting dense yellow and black setation that closely resembles Bombus species. Robber flies in this genus are predatory as adults and are often found in open habitats where they perch on vegetation to hunt passing insects. The specific epithet 'huron' likely references the Great Lakes region or Lake Huron, though the precise type locality and detailed natural history of this species remain poorly documented in available sources.
Laphria insignis
Remarkable Laphria
Laphria insignis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Remarkable Laphria. The species was originally described as Dasyllis insignis by Banks in 1917. Like other members of the genus Laphria, it is likely a bumble bee mimic, a trait common among species in this genus. As a robber fly, it is an aerial predator that captures other insects in flight.
Laphria ithypyga
Southern Arrowhead Laphria
Laphria ithypyga is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) found in the United States. It is commonly known as the Southern Arrowhead Laphria. As a member of the genus Laphria, it is part of a group known for effective bumble bee mimicry, though specific morphological details for this species are not well documented in available sources.
Laphria janus
Orange-tailed Laphria
Laphria janus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by McAtee in 1919. The species is recognized by its common name "Orange-tailed Laphria," referring to a distinctive coloration feature. Like other members of the genus Laphria, it exhibits bumble bee mimicry as a defensive adaptation. The species has been documented in the northeastern United States, particularly Vermont.
Laphria lata
Laphria lata is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. Robber flies in this genus are notable for their effective mimicry of bumble bees, with hairy bodies and coloration that closely resembles their hymenopteran models. The species has been documented as a predator of Japanese beetles (Popillia japonica), using its piercing proboscis to subdue prey. As with other Laphria species, it likely exhibits the characteristic sit-and-wait hunting behavior typical of the genus.
Laphria macquarti
Laphria macquarti is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. The genus Laphria is known for species that are effective mimics of bumble bees, with several species in this genus exhibiting this form of protective resemblance. Laphria species are generally characterized by their stout, hairy bodies and predatory habits typical of robber flies.
Laphria milvina
A species of robber fly in the genus Laphria, notable for its bumble bee mimicry. Members of this genus are recognized for their effective resemblance to bumble bees, a form of Batesian mimicry that may provide protection from predators. The species was described by Bromley in 1929. Like other Laphria species, it is presumed to be an active aerial predator of other insects.
Laphria posticata
Boreal Laphria
Laphria posticata is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Boreal Laphria. The genus Laphria includes species known for effective bumble bee mimicry, with Laphria posticata occurring in northern regions of North America. Robber flies in this genus are aerial predators that capture prey in flight.
Laphria royalensis
A species of robber fly in the genus Laphria, known for effective bumble bee mimicry. As with other Laphria species, this taxon exhibits Batesian mimicry of bumble bees, with a hairy body and thick antennae distinguishing it from similar mimics in the genus Mallophora. The species belongs to a group of predatory flies that hunt other insects in flight.
Laphria sackeni
Laphria sackeni is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) in the genus Laphria. Species in this genus are notable for their effective mimicry of bumble bees (Bombus spp.), a trait that distinguishes them from many other asilid genera. The genus Laphria is characterized by thick antennae, which helps distinguish it from superficially similar genera such as Mallophora. As with other robber flies, L. sackeni is presumably a predatory species, though specific details of its biology remain poorly documented.
Laphria sacrator
Bee-mimic robberfly, Yellow-waisted Laphria
Laphria sacrator is a robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Bee-mimic robberfly or Yellow-waisted Laphria. The species exhibits bumble bee mimicry, with yellow hairs on the mystax, thorax, and portions of the abdomen. It belongs to a genus renowned for producing highly convincing bee mimics that deceive both predators and prey.
Laphria sadales
Red-legged Laphria
Laphria sadales is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Red-legged Laphria. It belongs to a genus noted for effective bumble bee mimicry, with several species resembling bees in appearance and behavior. The species has been documented in the northeastern United States, including Vermont. Like other robber flies, it is presumed to be an aerial predator, though specific behavioral and ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Laphria saffrana
Laphria saffrana is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, subfamily Laphriinae. It belongs to a genus well-known for effective bumble bee mimicry, though specific details about this species' appearance and behavior are not well-documented in available sources. The species was described by Fabricius in 1805.
Laphria semitecta
Laphria semitecta is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Coquillett in 1910. It belongs to the genus Laphria, a group known for effective bumble bee mimicry. The species is part of the diverse North American robber fly fauna, though specific documentation of this species in the provided sources is limited. Robber flies in this genus are predatory and often visually striking due to their mimicry adaptations.
Laphria sericea
Laphria sericea is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. It is part of a species complex within the genus Laphria, which includes several bumble bee-mimicking species. The species is known from the eastern United States, with records from Vermont and other states.
Laphria sicula
Dagger Laphria
Laphria sicula is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Dagger Laphria. The species was described by McAtee in 1919. Like other members of the genus Laphria, it is a predatory fly that exhibits bumble bee mimicry. It is part of a diverse genus of robber flies known for their effective mimicry of hymenopterans and their predatory habits.
Laphria thoracica
Eastern Yellow-backed Laphria
Laphria thoracica is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Eastern Yellow-backed Laphria. The species is a notable bumble bee mimic, using its resemblance to stinging bees to avoid predation while ambushing prey. It belongs to a genus recognized for highly effective mimicry of bees and wasps.
Laphria trux
Laphria trux is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by McAtee in 1919. As a member of the genus Laphria, it belongs to a group known for effective bumble bee mimicry. Robber flies in this family are predatory insects that capture other insects in flight. Specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented in available sources.
Laphria virginica
Laphria virginica is a species of robber fly in the genus Laphria, commonly known as the 'bee-like robber flies' for their resemblance to bumble bees. The species was described by Banks in 1917. Like other members of the genus, it exhibits mimicry of Hymenoptera, which may serve as a defensive adaptation against predators.
Laphria winnemana
Laphria winnemana is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by McAtee in 1919. The genus Laphria is noted for species that are effective mimics of bumble bees (Bombus), a trait that distinguishes this group within the Asilidae. As a member of the robber flies, this species is presumed to be an active aerial predator. Specific ecological and behavioral details for L. winnemana remain poorly documented in published literature.
Mallophora
Bee-killers
Mallophora is a genus of large, robust robber flies (family Asilidae) commonly known as bee-killers. The genus contains approximately 60 described species distributed primarily in the Americas. Adults are powerful aerial predators that capture bees and other insects in flight, while larvae of at least some species are solitary ectoparasitoids of scarab beetle larvae (white grubs) in soil. Mallophora ruficauda, the best-studied species, is a significant pest of apiculture in the Pampas region of Argentina, where adults prey on honey bees, yet the same species functions as a beneficial biological control agent of agricultural pests through its larval parasitism of scarab grubs.
Mallophora fautrix
Mallophora fautrix is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. It belongs to a genus known for effective bumble bee mimicry, with species often exhibiting hairy bodies and distinctive antennal structures. The species was described by Osten Sacken in 1887. Like other Mallophora species, it is presumed to be a predatory fly, though specific ecological details for this species are not well documented in available sources.
Mallota diversipennis
A syrphid fly in the tribe Eristalini, described by Curran in 1922. Like other members of the genus Mallota, the larvae develop in water-filled tree holes. Adults are bumble bee mimics and are known to use leaves as platforms for grooming behavior. The specific epithet "diversipennis" refers to variation in wing pattern.