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Four-banded Beegrabber (Conops quadrifasciatus) One of 24 species of Thick-headed flies to be found in the UK, all of which are endoparasitoids of bees and wasps.<br /> <br /> The process by which which this is achieved might seem a tad grisly to us, but is just another of nature&#039;s inventive ways to ensure perpetual renewal.<br /> <br /> You can read about it in the information which accompanies this video: <section class="video"><iframe width="448" height="282" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/nSNLC5pJvUQ?hd=1&autoplay=0&rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></section> Conops quadrifasciatus,Geotagged,Summer,United Kingdom Click/tap to enlarge Promoted

Four-banded Beegrabber (Conops quadrifasciatus)

One of 24 species of Thick-headed flies to be found in the UK, all of which are endoparasitoids of bees and wasps.

The process by which which this is achieved might seem a tad grisly to us, but is just another of nature's inventive ways to ensure perpetual renewal.

You can read about it in the information which accompanies this video:

    comments (3)

  1. View Ferdy Christant's profile
    Ferdy Christant
    Lion
    View Lion class
    "The adult conopid will emerge the following spring." - I had no idea it was such a length process. Posted 3 years ago
    1. View Philip Booker's profile
      Philip Booker
      Lion
      View Lion class
      The body of the host underground provides a warm safe place for the larvae to hibernate, which is logical when you think about it. :-) Posted 3 years ago
      1. View Ferdy Christant's profile
        Ferdy Christant
        Lion
        View Lion class
        That does make sense, my brain is a little foggy at times :) Posted 3 years ago

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The Conops quadrifasciatus

''Conops quadrifasciatus'' is a species of fly from the genus ''Conops'' in the family Conopidae. Their larvae are endoparasites of bumble bees of the genus ''Bombus''. It is common throughout much of Europe.

Info 2 1
Similar species: True Flies
Species identified by Philip Booker
View Philip Booker's profile

By Philip Booker

All rights reserved
Uploaded Feb 28, 2022. Captured Jul 16, 2021 12:17 in 65 Crespin Way, Brighton BN1 7FL, UK.
country flag of United Kingdom Explore United Kingdom 3,303 1,262 0
  • DSC-RX10M4
  • f/4.0
  • 1/400s
  • ISO100
  • 216.73mm
Captured in the summer. More summer photos.