Appearance

The Grasshopper Bee Fly grows to 6-10 mm in length. It features a stout, rounded body covered in dense yellow, gold, or brown hairs, resembling a small bumblebee. The abdomen shows alternating dark and light bands. Wings are clear with a dark spot near the leading edge. A long, slender proboscis extends as long as the body for nectar feeding. This fuzzy appearance aids in Batesian mimicry to deter predators.

Habitat and Range

This species inhabits meadows, grasslands, gardens, parks, and woodland edges with abundant flowers. It thrives in open, sunny areas near soil suitable for grasshopper hosts. The range spans transcontinentally across North America, from Canada to the United States, including states like Oregon, Michigan, Texas, and beyond.

Behavior

Adults hover skillfully over blossoms, using their long proboscis to sip nectar and pollen, serving as efficient pollinators. They mimic bees to avoid predation and may feign death when threatened. Larvae burrow into grasshopper egg pods, consuming the contents as predators. This helps control grasshopper populations naturally.

Life Cycle

Females lay eggs on or near grasshopper egg capsules in soil during warm months. Larvae hatch and penetrate the pods, feeding on the eggs over several weeks. They pupate in the soil, overwintering in diapause. Adults emerge in spring or early summer to mate and feed, completing one generation per year in temperate regions.

Economic Impact

The Grasshopper Bee Fly proves beneficial in agriculture. Adults pollinate crops and wildflowers, enhancing yields. Larvae prey on grasshopper eggs, reducing pest outbreaks in fields without the need for chemicals. No harmful effects noted, supporting integrated pest management.

This preserved specimen highlights the bee-mimicking hairy body and predatory larvae, ideal for entomology education and displays. Check it out on BugGuide! https://bugguide.net/node/view/143907