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Pseudohypocera kertezi
These flies are probably the most important threat for the Maya honeybee. They are an insidious plague attacking the pollen stores on the nest and they can eventually kill the larvae and destroy the nest. You can see the adult in Pic.1, larvae Pic.2,3, Eggs and empty pupae Pic.4,5, and an destroyed comb Pic.6
Spotted on Apr 27, 2011
Submitted on Jan 28, 2014
3 Comments
So they may have sorted out some kind of overall balance over a few million years then.
Hi Mark. The maya bee (Melipona beecheii) is found from southern Mexico to Costa Rica. The Parasitic fly is well represented in Latin america and also attacks other social bees.
Fascinating spotting and info Juan. Are they both endemic?