Bombylius pulchellus
This record describes Bombylius pulchellus (species). Recorded family: Bombyliidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
dark brown with white hairs along anterior and lateral margins of thorax, plus posterior corners of thorax behind wings; proboscis long and slender; wings clear except for groups of blackish spots coalesced to form bands or large blotches (a diagnostic feature) Thanks to Joel Kits for identification of this image as B. pulchellus .
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
Habitat
fields, meadows, gardens
Geographic Range
Alberta to Quebec, New Hampshire and Minnesota south to Kansas, Arkansas and Georgia. According to BugGuide observations, the species ranges significantly farther south than indicated in .
Seasonal Activity
adults fly in spring
Diet and Behavior
Diet: larvae are parasitoids of sweat bees (Halictidae), feeding on prepupae or, less commonly, young pupae in the host's nest
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Bombylius pulchellus. 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 pulchellus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by Matthias Buck , Bbarnd
Frequently Asked Questions About Bombylius pulchellus
What is Bombylius pulchellus?
Bombylius pulchellus is a species in the family Bombyliidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Bombylius pulchellus?
body length 6-7 mm, plus proboscis about 3 mm; overall length 9-10 mm
How do you identify Bombylius pulchellus?
dark brown with white hairs along anterior and lateral margins of thorax, plus posterior corners of thorax behind wings; proboscis long and slender; wings clear except for groups of blackish spots coalesced to form bands or large blotches (a diagnostic feature)
Where is Bombylius pulchellus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | fields, meadows, gardens |
| Range | Alberta to Quebec, New Hampshire and Minnesota south to Kansas, Arkansas and Georgia. According to BugGuide observations, the species ranges significantly farther south than indicated in . |
What does Bombylius pulchellus eat?
The diet of the Bombylius pulchellus includes larvae are parasitoids of sweat bees (Halictidae), feeding on prepupae or, less commonly, young pupae in the host's nest.
When is Bombylius pulchellus active?
Bombylius pulchellus: seasonal activity - adults fly in spring.