Classic-mimicry-example
Guides
Mallophora bomboides
Florida Bee-Killer, Florida bee killer
Mallophora bomboides is a predatory robber fly (family Asilidae) native to the southeastern United States. It is notable for its specialized predation on bumblebees and its remarkable Batesian mimicry of its prey, particularly Bombus pensylvanicus. The species has been extensively studied as a classic example of mimicry, with experimental work demonstrating that predators learn to avoid the unpalatable bumblebee model and consequently avoid the palatable fly mimic. Adults are active from spring through late fall, with peak abundance in late summer.