Leucophora apivora
This record describes Leucophora apivora (species). Recorded family: Anthomyiidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Distinguished from other common species of Leucophora by the combination of legs red (including femora), both female and male with widely separated eyes, and flight time in June.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Muscoidea
- Family
- Anthomyiidae (Root-Maggot Flies)
- Subfamily
- Anthomyiinae
- Tribe
- Hylemyini
- Genus
- Leucophora
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Eastern USA west to New Mexico and Utah
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae are kleptoparasites of Anthophora (Melea) .
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Species name means "bee eater."
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Leucophora apivora. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leucophora apivora
What is Leucophora apivora?
Leucophora apivora is a species in the family Anthomyiidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Leucophora apivora?
Distinguished from other common species of Leucophora by the combination of legs red (including femora), both female and male with widely separated eyes, and flight time in June.
Where is Leucophora apivora found?
Range: Eastern USA west to New Mexico and Utah
What is the life cycle of a Leucophora apivora?
Larvae are kleptoparasites of Anthophora (Melea) .