''Exoprosopa'' is a large cosmopolitan genus of flies belonging to the family

Bombyliidae The Bombyliidae are a family of flies, commonly known as bee flies. Adults generally feed on nectar and pollen, some being important pollinators. Larvae are mostly parasitoids of other insects. Overview The Bombyliidae are a large family of fl ...

(bee-flies), 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 A proboscis () is an elongated appendage from the head of an animal, either a vertebrate or an invertebrate. In invertebrates, the term usually refers to tubular mouthparts used for feeding and sucking. In vertebrates, a proboscis is an elong ...

is short. The head is large and only loosely attached to the thorax. The

antenna Antenna ( antennas or antennae) may refer to: Science and engineering * Antenna (radio), also known as an aerial, a transducer designed to transmit or receive electromagnetic (e.g., TV or radio) waves * Antennae Galaxies, the name of two collid ...

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 (often banded) 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 Southern Africa is the southernmost subregion of the African continent, south of the Congo and Tanzania. The physical location is the large part of Africa to the south of the extensive Congo River basin. Southern Africa is home to a number of ...

is especially species rich with over 135 species.

References

{{Taxonbar, from=Q5420652 Bombyliidae Diptera of Europe Diptera of Australasia Diptera of Africa Diptera of Asia Diptera of North America Diptera of South America Brachycera genera Taxa named by Pierre-Justin-Marie Macquart

Description

Distribution

See also

References