Species Heterostylum robustum - Bomber Fly

Classification · Size · Identification · Range · Life Cycle · Print References · Internet References

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Classification

Kingdom Animalia (Animals)

Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)

Class Insecta (Insects)

Order Diptera (Flies)

No Taxon ("Orthorrhapha" (Brachycera excluding Aschiza and Schizophora))

Superfamily Asiloidea

Family Bombyliidae (Bee Flies)

Subfamily Bombyliinae

Tribe Bombyliini

Genus Heterostylum

Species robustum (Bomber Fly)

Size

10-12 mm

Identification

Large Bee-fly with long proboscis and strong pattern on rear of abdomen.

Range

Apparently widespread. Noted from California, east to Georgia, North Carolina.

Life Cycle

Parrasitoid of hymenoptera--reported to attack Nomia (Halictidae) and Ammophila (Sphecidae).

Print References

Bohart, G. E., W. P. Stephen & R. K. Eppley, 1960. The biology of Heterostylum robustum, a parasite of the Alkali bee. Annals of the Entomological Society of America 53: 425-435. (reference listed in a bibliography on the Internet)

Internet References

Insects of Torrey Pines California

Herschel Raney: key, checklist

North Carolina State University lists just H. robustus with 4 pinned, but no specimens from that state.

Contributed by Cotinis on 13 September, 2006 - 11:27am
Last updated 14 September, 2006 - 11:12am

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