Thick-headed-flies
Guides
Physoconops
thick-headed flies
Physoconops is a genus of thick-headed flies (family Conopidae) containing approximately 13 described species. Members are wasp mimics, resembling potter wasps in appearance and behavior. The genus occurs primarily in the Neotropical and Andean regions, with some species in North America. Like other conopids, Physoconops species are endoparasitoids of bees and aculeate wasps.
Physoconops sylvosus
Physoconops sylvosus is a species of thick-headed fly in the family Conopidae. Members of this genus are wasp mimics, with elongated abdomens resembling a "wasp waist" and heavily pigmented anterior wing margins that mimic the folded wings of potter wasps at rest. Like other conopids, they possess large heads relative to body size and beak-like mouthparts adapted for nectar feeding. The species is currently treated as a synonym of Gyroconops sylvosus in some taxonomic databases.
Physoconops townsendi
Physoconops townsendi is a species of thick-headed fly in the family Conopidae, described by Camras in 1955. It belongs to the genus Physoconops, which includes species that mimic potter wasps in appearance. Like other conopid flies, this species is likely a parasitoid, though specific host associations for P. townsendi remain undocumented in the provided sources.
Zodion fulvifrons
Zodion fulvifrons is a small species of thick-headed fly in the family Conopidae. Members of the genus Zodion are known to be internal parasites of solitary wasps. The species has been documented in North America, with observations primarily from the United States. Like other conopids, adults are likely flower visitors that seek nectar while also hunting for host wasps.