Exoprosopa


Exoprosopa is a large cosmopolitan genus of flies belonging to the family Bombyliidae, with over 325 described species. The genus parasitizes a wide range of insects, including locust and larvae of wasps.

Description

This genus contains the largest bee flies, of about 14 mm, sometimes larger, up to 22 mm, though a few species are as small as 6 mm. The proboscis is short. The head is large and only loosely attached to the thorax. The antenna are small and well separated. Wings are large, with wingspan 40 mm, up to 64 mm in the largest species, nearly always boldly patterned; abdomen patterned with white or pale scales on segment 6 and 7 or on each segment. Many species are sexually dimorphic.

Distribution

Species are found worldwide, however Southern Africa is especially species rich with over 135 species.