David Element

Wildlife Photography

and Digital Video Images

__________________________ Flies 5 - Conopid Flies

                                                              Leopoldius signatus

                                                               Conops quadrifasciata

                                                            Physocephala rufipes

                                                                    Myopa fasciata

• Conopid flies are endoparasites of bumblebees and other species of aculeate hymenopterans. The female conopid grabs a suitable host and injects a single egg. The larva eats the non-essential organs and otherwise hijacks the tissues of the unfortunate host prior to pupation. A detailed account of the fascinating life-history is given in an article by David Clements, the national organiser of the British Conopid Recording Scheme, in "British Wildlife" Volume 8, Number 5 June 1997. There are 24 British conopid species. With thanks to Jeremy Early, David Baldock and Graham Collins for confirming some of these identifications.

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© David Element.