Eastern Yellow-Backed Laphria
ExploreInsects
Eastern Yellow-Backed Laphria
laphria thoracica
The Eastern Yellow-Backed Laphria is a fascinating insect with a bright yellow back! It loves to buzz around flowers and is often seen darting through gardens.
Habitat: They can be found in gardens, meadows, and open fields.
Appearance
The Eastern Yellow-Backed Laphria is a large, fuzzy insect that remarkably mimics a bumblebee. It has a robust black body with a distinctive, thick yellow band across its thorax, giving it a 'yellow-backed' appearance. Its black wings are clear.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderDipteraFamilyAsilidaeGenusLaphria
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Their larvae live in rotting wood and eat other insect larvae underground.
These incredible fliers can hover perfectly still, just like a tiny helicopter.
They have super-sharp vision, helping them spot tiny prey from far away.
They're sometimes called "assassin flies" for their amazing hunting skills!
Special abilities
Ability
Mimic Master
Eastern Yellow-Backed Laphria has furry yellow and black markings that help them mimic stinging bumblebees, scaring off potential predators.
Ability
Swift Hunter
Eastern Yellow-Backed Laphria can quickly ambush flying insects because of their powerful wings and excellent eyesight, catching prey mid-air.
Ability
Venomous Bite
Eastern Yellow-Backed Laphria can inject paralyzing venom into their prey using a tough proboscis, quickly subduing other insects.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 30-50 mm
- Size
- 15-25 mm
- Lifespan
- 21-28 days
- Flight Speed
- 15-25 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
These fierce insect hunters pounce on other flying bugs for their meals!
Age differences: Larvae hunt other insect larvae in decaying wood, while adults hunt flying insects.
Primary Foods
- Honey bees
- Bumblebees
- Wasps
- Flies
- Beetles
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
hunts
Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
A common prey item for adults.
hunts
Common Eastern Bumblebee
Bombus impatiens
Often mistaken for their mimicry target.
eaten by
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Eastern Kingbird
Tyrannus tyrannus
A bird predator that eats large insects.
eaten by
Flower Crab Spider
Misumena vatia
Ambush predator that catches them on flowers.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
LaphriaYellow-Backed Bee Fly
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Eastern Yellow-Backed Laphria's wingspan?
30-50 mm
How big is Eastern Yellow-Backed Laphria?
15-25 mm
How long does Eastern Yellow-Backed Laphria live?
21-28 days
How fast can Eastern Yellow-Backed Laphria fly?
15-25 km/h
What does Eastern Yellow-Backed Laphria eat?
These fierce insect hunters pounce on other flying bugs for their meals!
Where is Eastern Yellow-Backed Laphria usually found?
They can be found in gardens, meadows, and open fields.
How does Eastern Yellow-Backed Laphria hunt?
Ambush
How many legs does Eastern Yellow-Backed Laphria have?
6
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