Noctuid-parasite
Guides
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 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 willistonii
Williston's bee fly
Poecilanthrax willistonii is a North American bee fly in the family Bombyliidae. The genus Poecilanthrax is strictly North American in distribution, with the greatest abundance of species and individuals found in the Great Basin region. Like other members of the genus, the larvae develop as parasites inside caterpillars of cutworms and armyworms (family Noctuidae). Adults are typically found in arid and semi-arid habitats, often associated with flowering plants where they feed on nectar.