Bombylius mexicanus
This record describes Bombylius mexicanus (species). Recorded family: Bombyliidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
A large bee-fly that flies in late spring to summer, similar to Bombylius major , which typically flies earlier in the spring. Pile (hair) mostly yellow, with just a few black hairs on the edges of abdominal segments. Note white spots on abdomen (females only), a few black hairs on abdomen, and details of wing venation: See Key to Bee Flies of Ontario for details.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Asiloidea
- Family
- Bombyliidae (Bee Flies)
- Subfamily
- Bombyliinae
- Tribe
- Bombyliini
- Genus
- Bombylius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Southern Ontario, Quebec, south through eastern and southern United States
Seasonal Activity
Begins appearing in Florida at the end of February -- and BugGuide posts show it occurs within its range in June. In Ontario, late May to July.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Bombylius mexicanus. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Diptera includes over 150,000 described species of flies, mosquitoes, and midges. Mosquitoes are the deadliest animal on Earth (CDC). Malaria alone causes ~249 million cases and over 608,000 deaths annually, mostly children under 5 (WHO). Vector-borne diseases account for over 17% of all infectious diseases, causing 700,000+ deaths per year.
Ecological role of the group
Despite their disease impact, flies are critical decomposers and pollinators. Hoverflies alone pollinate hundreds of crop and wildflower species. Flies are also the primary food source for many birds, bats, and fish. Forensic entomology relies heavily on fly species for crime scene analysis.
Economic and practical significance of the group
In the U.S., vector-borne disease cases tripled between 2004-2016, with over 640,000 cases reported in that period (CDC). Tickborne diseases doubled from 22,000 to 48,000 annual reports. Globally, mosquito-borne diseases cost billions in healthcare and lost productivity.
Recorded sources for this group: WHO, CDC, PNAS. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Bombylius mexicanus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joel Kits; Additional contributions by cotinis , Wisconsin Oecanthinancy
Frequently Asked Questions About Bombylius mexicanus
What is Bombylius mexicanus?
Bombylius mexicanus is a species in the family Bombyliidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Bombylius mexicanus?
10-12 mm body length, 26 mm wingspan (measurements of specimen , Key to Bee Flies of Ontario )
How do you identify Bombylius mexicanus?
A large bee-fly that flies in late spring to summer, similar to Bombylius major , which typically flies earlier in the spring. Pile (hair) mostly yellow, with just a few black hairs on the edges of abdominal segments. Note white spots on abdomen (females only), a few black hairs on abdomen, and details of wing venation: See Key to Bee Flies of Ontario for details.
Where is Bombylius mexicanus found?
Range: Southern Ontario, Quebec, south through eastern and southern United States
When is Bombylius mexicanus active?
Bombylius mexicanus: seasonal activity - Begins appearing in Florida at the end of February -- and BugGuide posts show it occurs within its range in June. In Ontario, late May to July..