Tawny-tailed Bee Fly
Villa fulviana
This record describes Villa fulviana (species). Recorded family: Bombyliidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
variable in size in color but lacks transverse bands on abdomen; tawny hairs near tip of abdomen is apparently the basis of the species epithet; lack of black hairs on sides of abdomen distinguishes this species from all other northeastern Villa may have two forms (?) - clear-winged (as shown on the Cedar Creek site, Minnesota) or with blackish shading along the costa (all specimens in U. of Guelph collection, Ontario); perhaps the variety nigricauda in the U. of Maine collection is one of these forms? Var. nigricauda is treated here in BugGuide as part of Villa fulviana.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Asiloidea
- Family
- Bombyliidae (Bee Flies)
- Subfamily
- Anthracinae
- Tribe
- Villini
- Genus
- Villa
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
all of North America except possibly southeastern US (ranges south at least to North Carolina)
Seasonal Activity
late summer/early fall
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: FULVIANA: from the Latin "fulvus" (tawny) + "anus" (the opening at the lower end of the alimentary canal) - a reference to the reddish-orange color near the tip of the abdomen, or "tail-end" in this species
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Villa fulviana. 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 Tawny-tailed Bee Fly (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod
Frequently Asked Questions About Tawny-tailed Bee Fly
What is Tawny-tailed Bee Fly?
Tawny-tailed Bee Fly (Villa fulviana) is a species in the family Bombyliidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Tawny-tailed Bee Fly?
approx. 8-12 mm
How do you identify Tawny-tailed Bee Fly?
variable in size in color but lacks transverse bands on abdomen; tawny hairs near tip of abdomen is apparently the basis of the species epithet; lack of black hairs on sides of abdomen distinguishes this species from all other northeastern Villa
Where is Tawny-tailed Bee Fly found?
Range: all of North America except possibly southeastern US (ranges south at least to North Carolina)
When is Tawny-tailed Bee Fly active?
Tawny-tailed Bee Fly: seasonal activity - late summer/early fall.