A Parasitic Bee Fly - Conops quadrifasciatus

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Classification Order: Diptera – true flies Family: Conopodiae

Wing Length To 10mm

Phenology June to September.

Identification

This Fly has a long proboscis and long pointed anal cell near the hind edge of the wing an identying pointer for this family Hind femora s are yellowish brown, Females has a small yellowish pouch under the 5th abdominal segment.

Life Cycle

Conops quadrifasciatus

Hymenopterists may also find these flies interesting because theirlarvae are endoparasitoids of bumblebees! The adult fly will pounce ona bumblebee and lay an egg between the tergites - hence the curiouslycurved abdomen.

Habitat

On umbellifers and composites such as Ragwort, especially in dry areas.

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