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Laphria (fly)

Genus of flies From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Laphria (fly)
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Laphria is a genus described by Johann Wilhelm Meigen in 1803, belonging to the family Asilidae, subfamily Laphriinae. Members of this genus are known as bee-like robber flies. This genus has a Holarctic distribution, occurring in Europe, Asia, and North America. They prey on a variety of insects, including other robber flies, bees, wasps and beetles. Like other asilids, they use their proboscis to penetrate the body of their prey and inject enzymes which dissolve the tissues.

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Laphria thoracica eating a common eastern bumblebee

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These large flies measure 15–25 mm (0.59–0.98 in) in length. Most Laphria species are quite hairy and black in color. Some have bee-mimicking markings with black and yellow stripes (like Laphria thoracica). They can be encountered from July through September.

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Species

Select species include:[1][2][3][4]

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References

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