Laphria janus

This is another mainly northern species that I have only seen in Price County. Baker and Fischer (1975) in their article on the Asilidae of Michigan in the Great Lakes Entomologist 8 (2): 31-91 state the flight range of this species as June 6 through August 6. It was very common at this site, on May 28, 2007 and very conspicuous with the mating pairs being especially noticeable when the wings are spread and showing the bright orange abdomen.

Identifying characteristics

The color of the hairs of the abdomen of this species is yellowish or golden and contrasts sharply with the paler yellow hairs of the thorax.

Similar species

The color of the abdomen of this species is similar to the color of the abdomen in L. aktis and L. sericea, but the color of the thorax of these two species is similar to that of the color of the hairs of the abdomen, not contrasting sharply with them as in this species.

Habitat

Open woodlands and woodland edges.

Flight

Late May through July

Abundance

More abundant where found than the other species of Laphria that I am familiar with.

Locations