Conopid

/kəˈnoʊpɪd/ noun

Definition

Any insect belonging to the fly family Conopidae, which are parasites of bees and other insects.

Etymology

From Conopidae (the family name) plus the suffix '-id' (belonging to). The family name derives from Greek 'konops' (gnat or mosquito).

Kelly Says

Conopid flies are nature's tiny assassins—they lay eggs directly inside bees while in flight, and the larvae develop inside the bee's body. Some entomologists use them to control bee parasites, making them surprisingly useful despite their creepy lifestyle!

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