Southern Bee Killer
Mallophora orcina
This record describes Mallophora orcina (species). Recorded family: Asilidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Similar to M. bomboides but smaller (than (16-24 mm vs 24-27 mm) and has first 4 tergites yellow-haired (in bomboides , tergites 1-3 yellow/white, but 4th is black). [ comment by Eric Fisher]
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
so. US (MD-FL to IN-KS-TX-AZ)
Seasonal Activity
Jul-Sep in NC , Apr-Aug in FL
Diet and Behavior
Diet: other insects, including bees
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Mallophora orcina (Wiedemann 1828)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Mallophora orcina. 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 Southern Bee Killer (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Hannah Nendick-Mason; Additional contributions by cotinis , Ben Coulter , v belov , Harsi S. Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Bee Killer
What is Southern Bee Killer?
Southern Bee Killer (Mallophora orcina) is a species in the family Asilidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Southern Bee Killer?
~16-24 mm (Eric Fisher)
How do you identify Southern Bee Killer?
Similar to M. bomboides but smaller (than (16-24 mm vs 24-27 mm) and has first 4 tergites yellow-haired (in bomboides , tergites 1-3 yellow/white, but 4th is black). [ comment by Eric Fisher]
Where is Southern Bee Killer found?
Range: so. US (MD-FL to IN-KS-TX-AZ)
What does Southern Bee Killer eat?
The diet of the Southern Bee Killer includes other insects, including bees.
When is Southern Bee Killer active?
Southern Bee Killer: seasonal activity - Jul-Sep in NC , Apr-Aug in FL.