Names and Taxonomy
- Common Names:
- Synonyms:
- Order: Diptera
- Family: Bee Fly (Bombyliidae)
- Genus Information: Number of Species 12 in CA, 8 in NV, 6 in AZ, 4 in UT, 3 in NM
Genus Apolysis
Bee Fly
Introduction:
Apolysis is a genus of minute bee flies in the family Bombyliidae that play an important ecological role as delicate pollinators and parasitoids in arid western landscapes. This is a representative of the genus Apolysis (found worldwide). A number of species used to be placed in Olgidranes but after examination of true Oligodranes, it was found that Oligtodranes is restricted to the Middle East and Western Asia. As a member of Bombyliidae, this species likely functions as a parasitoid, with larvae developing in the nests of ground-nesting bees or wasps.
Life Cycle:
Size 0.1 to 0.2 in (0.25 to 0.5 cm)
Sexual Dimorphism:
Metamorphosis: complete (egg, larva, pupa, adult)
