Cacoxenus indagator is a species of fruit fly.[1] It is a kleptoparasite, laying its eggs in the pollen-filled nest cells of mason bees.[2] On account of its ability to break out of those cells once hatched, it is commonly known as the Houdini fly.[3][4]

Houdini fly
Scientific classification
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C. indagator
Binomial name
Cacoxenus indagator
Loew, 1858[1]
Cacoxenus indagator at a newly closed nest of Osmia cornuta

References

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  1. ^ a b "Cacoxenus indagator". NBN Atlas. National Biodiversity Network. Retrieved 24 May 2021.
  2. ^ "Houdini fly found in Washington". Washington State Department of Agriculture. Retrieved 24 May 2021.
  3. ^ Natter, Jean R. (10 January 2021). "A new Pest of Mason Bees: The "Houdini" Fly". OSU Metro-area Master Gardener Program. Oregon State University. Retrieved 24 May 2021.
  4. ^ Marshall, Michael. "Zoologer: Houdini fly inflates head to break walls". New Scientist. Retrieved 24 May 2021.