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Black banded bee fly

Black banded bee fly

Hemipenthes morio

A species of Hemipenthes

Black banded bee fly, a member of Order Diptera, flaunts a velvet-like cloak of dense pile, which especially adorns the thorax. Adults visit flowers for nectar, elegantly hovering and darting with precision, akin to their aviation kin. The larvae lead a markedly different existence, dwelling within the nests of solitary bees, wherein their early life is spent as cleptoparasites, surreptitiously consuming the provisions stored by their unwitting hosts.

How Does the Black banded bee fly Practice Parasitism?
Parasite
General Info About Black banded bee fly
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Attributes of Black banded bee fly
Colors
Brown
Black
Habitat
Forest edge; meadow; sandy soil; coastal dune
Adult Food Sources
Flower nectar, pollen, honeydew
Larva Food Source
Eggs and larvae of bees, wasps, grasshoppers
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Black banded bee fly feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Piercing-sucking mouthparts
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Species Status of Black banded bee fly
Stable population
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Distribution Area of Black banded bee fly
Europe, the eastern Palearctic realm, the Near East, the Nearctic realm
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Life Cycle of Black banded bee fly
Egg The egg of black banded bee fly is often deposited in protected environments. The eggs are small and may vary in color. They serve as the initial developmental phase where the embryo matures.
Larva Upon hatching, the larvae lack distinct legs and have a segmented body. They are primarily feeding machines, growing rapidly in size and often changing color as they molt.
Pupal The pupal stage of black banded bee fly is a period of transformation. Encased within a puparium, the larvae's tissues are reorganized. Here, black banded bee fly transitions from a motile larva to a stationary pupa.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult black banded bee fly's development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Predators of Black banded bee fly Larvae
Birds, rodents, arthropods, reptiles
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Scientific Classification of Black banded bee fly
Class
Bugs
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Order
Flies
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Family
Bee flies
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Tips for Finding Black banded bee fly
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Youth Habitat of Black banded bee fly
Rotting and Decaying Matter, On and Within Other Organisms (Parasitic Relationships)
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Adult Habitat of Black banded bee fly
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Savannas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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How Can You Attract Black banded bee fly
For adult black banded bee fly, potential trap foods can include nectar or artificial sweet solutions mimicking flower nectar as they are known to feed on such substances in their natural habitats.
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Habitat Preferences of Black banded bee fly Through Different Life Stages
The adult black banded bee fly can be found frequents flowering landscapes, such as gardens or meadows, buzzing around and feeding on nectar. The larval stage prefers much more hidden environments, often within soil or amidst detritus, where they are parasitic on other insect larvae. To find these stages, one should carefully search flower-rich areas for the adults, using nets during their active day times, and sift through the upper layers of soil or decomposing organic matter in search of the larvae.
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How and Where Can You Find Black banded bee fly at Different Life Stages
Egg Black banded bee fly eggs are typically laid in environments suitable for the upcoming larval stage, so searching in places such as soil or near plant stems that host larvae may yield success. Examination of the underside of leaves or within crevices in the soil can be a good way to find these eggs.
Larva Black banded bee fly larvae will often reside in soil or debris and are parasitic to other insects. To find larvae, one could search under stones, within rotting wood, or in loose soil where their hosts might be found.
Pupal Black banded bee fly pupae may be found in the soil or within hiding places near the host insects' habitats. Locating pupae typically involves sifting through the soil or examining areas where larvae were previously found.
Adult Black banded bee fly is a free-flying insect that is attracted to flowers. To observe adults, visit flowering plants on sunny days, especially those that are known to attract a wide variety of pollinators. Keeping still and waiting quietly near such flowers can allow for close observation and study of black banded bee fly.
Are Black banded bee fly harmful?
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Harmful Effects of Black banded bee fly
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Parasite
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How Does the Black banded bee fly Practice Parasitism?

Black banded bee fly engage in parasitism by laying eggs on or near host insects. This significantly impacts host populations. As parasites, they ensure their larvae have a consistent food source, vital for survival. This interspecies interaction underscores complex ecological dynamics.

More Effects of Black banded bee fly

Beneficial Effects of Black banded bee fly
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Black banded bee fly is an efficient pollinator, often seen hovering over flowers, attracted by their vivid colors and sweet scents. It feeds on pollen, inadvertently collecting and transferring it between flowers, aiding in plant reproduction. This behavior ensures the continuation of both plant and insect species.
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