Diptera - Conopidae

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About Diptera - Conopidae

The Conopidae contains some 800 described world species, which are usually found in dry areas among flowers where their main hosts (aculeate Hymenoptera) abound. There appear to be mimetic associations between certain conopids and wasps (Nicholson 1927). This mimicry probably has a Batesian function. However, because it allows close access to a dangerous host for the purpose of oviposition, Vane-Wright (1976) suggested that antergic aggressive mimicry (of the cuckoo type) could also be involved. In addition, many species have a strong resemblance to certain Syrphidae [e.g., Ceriana (subgenera Ceriana and Sphiximorpha)] with which they probably coexist on flowers.

Conopid larvae are solitary internal parasites of aculeate Hymenoptera (Conopinae, Myopinae, Dalmanniinae), gryllid Orthoptera, Dictyoptera, and some, mostly calyptrate, Diptera (Stylogastrinae). Many species use several hosts from different families.

Smith (1966b) summarized the biology of Conopidae, and later studies were published by Howell (1967), Smith (1967, 1969b, 1979), and Smith & Cunningham-van Someren (1970, 1985). Smith & Peterson (1987) included keys to genera for eggs and larvae. Physocephala vittata Fabricius and Myopa picta Panzer have been recorded as egg predators of Acrididae in the Palearctic Region. Conops (Asiconops) australianus has been reared from Campsomeris sp. (Hymenoptera: Scoliidae) in Australia (Camras 1961).

In the Australasian/Oceanian Regions, Conopidae have been recorded from Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Lord Howe Island, the Loyalty Islands, and New Britain. Their absence elsewhere may be linked to restrictions of suitable hosts on the smaller Pacific islands and New Zealand. The Diptera of New Caledonia, Vanuatu, and the Solomons are too poorly known to be sure that conopids are truly absent (an unidentified species of Myopa from the Loyalty Islands suggests not). Several of the Australian genera are endemic, and it is likely that more species and genera await discovery.
Refs.: Kröber (1939b, 1940, keys), Camras (1957, 1961, keys), Smith (1979, key, rev.).