Tiger Bee Fly (Xenox tigrinus)

Hanging out on a back porch near an overgrown backyard habitat in NW Georgia (Gordon County), US.

Xenox tigrinus is a parasitoid of carpenter bees. Female Tiger Bee Flies seek out holes (made by carpenter bees) in wood in order to lay eggs alongside carpenter bee eggs. Both the carpenter bee and tiger bee fly larvae hatch side-by-side, and the fly larvae will then feed on the carpenter bee larvae!

comments (5)

Christine Young

Lion

Great shot! Posted 7 years ago
1. Flown Kimmerling
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks! I asked it nicely for a shot, and it allowed me a few moments before buzzing my head and flying away! Posted 7 years ago
2. 1. Christine Young
    
    Lion
    
    Bahaha! Posted 7 years ago

Ferdy Christant

Lion

That's one badass fly! Posted 7 years ago
1. Flown Kimmerling
  
  Lion
  
  Yes, I just added some extra info! I was unaware that they were parasitoids of carpenter bees! Posted 7 years ago