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Bee-like Robber Flies (Laphria)
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Laphria thoracica
Photo#66045
Copyright © 2006
Jess Wunman
Fly or Bee? -
Laphria thoracica
Ottawa, LaSalle County, Illinois, USA
July 1, 2006
Size: ~3/4 inch
Is it a fly or a bee? (I suspect fly.) What attributes would distinguish it? Your help is appreciated.
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Contributed by
Jess Wunman
on 23 July, 2006 - 8:30am
Last updated 15 August, 2006 - 6:49am
Laphria
Appears to be the yellow form of Laphria thoracica. Also said by most to be the finest bumble mimic in the entire genus. Especially these plump females.
…
Herschel Raney
, 23 July, 2006 - 8:58pm
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Robber fly (Asilidae)
Lack of true hind wings and short antennae betray a fly rather than a bee.
That said, this one robber fly is an extraordinary Bumblebee-mimic. Even most Laphria sp., the so-called bee-like robber flies, are not so stoutly built.
…
Richard Vernier
, 23 July, 2006 - 9:12am
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I agree
I agree, this Bumble Bee mimic is more convincing than most—so plump!
On the other hand, those eyes really look like fly eyes.
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Stephen_WV
, 23 July, 2006 - 9:27am
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Thank you all very much! J
Thank you all very much!
Jess
…
Jess Wunman
, 24 July, 2006 - 8:14pm
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