Thick-headed Flies

Thick-headed Flies (Conopidae) are medium-sized flies (about 3/4 inch in length) and are named for their large head, which is slightly broader than the thorax. All species have a long, slender proboscis. They are mostly parasites of adult solitary bees and wasps. The female fly attacks the host in midair, and rams an egg between the bee’s abdominal segments before releasing it. Adults nectar at flowers and the larvae are endoparasites. There are about 67 species in North America.

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