Biology:Nemestrinus rufipes

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Short description: Species of fly


Nemestrinus rufipes
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Phylum:
Class:
Order:
Family:
Genus:
Nemestrinus
Species:
N. rufipes
Binomial name
Nemestrinus rufipes
(Olivier, 1810)
Synonyms

Nemestrina rufipes Olivier, 1810

Nemestrinus rufipes is a very large species of fly which is found the Middle East. It has been recorded from Algeria to Qatar[1] and Egypt.[2][3] As with the rest of the family, little is known about this species. Its behaviour resembles that of a bee-fly in adult and possibly larval stages. The fly has a wingspan of almost 5 centimetres and a body length estimated to be more than 3 and a half centimetres. It is possibly the largest species of fly in the Old World.[citation needed]

It hovers, and can be mistaken for a hummingbird or a hawkmoth due to its size, flight, and very long extendable proboscis. It feeds on many flowers, including wild radish and bougainvillea; whilst the larval life cycle remains unknown, it is likely an endoparasite of Orthoptera like other members of its family.

References

Wikidata ☰ Q14699372 entry