Conops (subgenus)

Conops is a subgenus within the genus Conops, belonging to the family Conopidae, commonly known as thick-headed flies. The Conopidae are characterized by their distinctive head shape and parasitic larval stage.

As a subgenus, Conops encompasses a specific group of species sharing common morphological and genetic characteristics that differentiate them from other subgenera within the broader Conops genus. Members of Conops typically parasitize various species of bees and wasps, laying their eggs on the host insect. The fly larva then develops within the host, eventually killing it.

Identifying Conops species often requires careful examination of subtle anatomical details, such as wing venation, head shape, and the arrangement of bristles and hairs on the body. The classification and relationships within the Conopidae family, including the subgenera of Conops, have been subject to revision based on both morphological and molecular data. Distribution varies geographically, with certain species found in specific regions and habitats. Ecological roles are primarily defined by their parasitism of other insects, contributing to natural population control within insect communities.