Acrocera stansburyi
Johnson, 1923
Acrocera stansburyi is a of small-headed fly in the Acroceridae, described by Johnson in 1923. Species in this are endoparasitoids of spiders, with females laying on the ground or vegetation and larvae actively seeking out spiders. The larva enters the spider's body and consumes internal tissues until mature, then exits to pupate. Acrocera is one of the most species-rich genera in Acroceridae in North America.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Acrocera stansburyi: //əˈkrɒsərə ˈstænsbəriː//
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Diet
Larva feeds internally on spiders as an endoparasitoid; records for this are not documented.
Host Associations
- spiders (Araneae) - larval endoparasitoidBased on -level ; specific records for A. stansburyi are not documented.
Life Cycle
Females deposit on the ground or vegetation. Larvae are mobile and must locate a suitable spider independently. Upon finding a host, the larva enters the body and feeds internally until fully developed, then exits to pupate. Specific developmental timing for A. stansburyi is not documented.
Ecological Role
As an endoparasitoid of spiders, the contributes to regulation of spider .
Similar Taxa
- Acrocera speciesOther members of this share similar small-headed fly and spider- ; -level identification requires detailed examination.
- Tricrania stansburyi (Haldeman, 1852)Similar specific epithet but belongs to Meloidae (blister beetles), not Acroceridae; completely unrelated with different .
More Details
Taxonomic Note
Acrocera stansburyi Johnson, 1923 is listed as a synonym in Catalogue of Life but as accepted in GBIF. This discrepancy suggests taxonomic revision may be needed.
Research Context
The Acrocera has been highlighted in entomological outreach, including a 2017 Bohart Museum of Entomology Halloween event featuring an Acrocera piñata, reflecting interest in the 's distinctive .