Bombylius pygmaeus
This record describes Bombylius pygmaeus (species). Recorded family: Bombyliidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Thorax dark brown, outlined in yellowish-white; spots on wings distinctly separate (not coalesced into bands or blotches, as in the similar 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
Geographic Range
Widespread: Alaska, Canada, Northeastern United States, south to Georgia, also in China (Bee Flies of Ontario)
Seasonal Activity
Spring. April (eastern North Carolina), May (mountains of North Carolina). May-June (Ontario)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adults likely take nectar.
Life History
Parasitoids of solitary bees.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Species name pygmaeus from Greek pygm , dwarf .
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Bombylius pygmaeus. 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 pygmaeus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , Ben Coulter
Frequently Asked Questions About Bombylius pygmaeus
What is Bombylius pygmaeus?
Bombylius pygmaeus is a species in the family Bombyliidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Bombylius pygmaeus?
6-10 mm (Bee Flies of Ontario)
How do you identify Bombylius pygmaeus?
Thorax dark brown, outlined in yellowish-white; spots on wings distinctly separate (not coalesced into bands or blotches, as in the similar B. pulchellus ).
Where is Bombylius pygmaeus found?
Range: Widespread: Alaska, Canada, Northeastern United States, south to Georgia, also in China (Bee Flies of Ontario)
What does Bombylius pygmaeus eat?
The diet of the Bombylius pygmaeus includes Adults likely take nectar..
When is Bombylius pygmaeus active?
Bombylius pygmaeus: seasonal activity - Spring. April (eastern North Carolina), May (mountains of North Carolina). May-June (Ontario).
What is the life cycle of a Bombylius pygmaeus?
Parasitoids of solitary bees.