Eulonchus marginatus
Osten Sacken, 1877
jewelled spider fly
Eulonchus marginatus is a of in the , commonly known as a jewelled . The species has a Nearctic distribution and is known to visit flowers from over ten different families. Like other members of the , exhibit metallic coloration and serve as , while are of spiders.
Identification
Distinguished from other tarantula by the combination of elongated mouthparts, metallic green to or purple coloration, and covered with soft hairs. The large, rounded, densely hairy body with metallic sheen separates Eulonchus from other . Within the genus, E. marginatus is one of six recognized North ; precise identification to species level requires examination of morphological details described in taxonomic revisions.
Appearance
have large, rounded bodies covered with dense hairs and exhibit metallic coloration—green to or purple—giving a jewel-like appearance. The mouthparts are greatly elongated, adapted for feeding on nectar. The are covered with soft hairs.
Habitat
Found in mountainous areas of western North America, where it can be locally abundant. Associated with supporting both flowering plants for nectar feeding and for larval development.
Distribution
Nearctic distribution. Found in western North America, ranging from Mexico to Canada. One of six Eulonchus recognized in North America, with the majority of species occurring in the West.
Diet
feed on nectar from flowers of more than 25 different and 80 . are internal of , feeding on tissues until mature.
Host Associations
- spiders - larval seek out tarantula , burrow into the body, and feed internally until mature, eventually emerging and killing the host
Life Cycle
Females lay that hatch into highly mobile, -seeking . Larvae actively search for hosts, climb onto them, and burrow into the body wall, typically taking up residence around the . They feed internally on the host until mature, then emerge from the , killing the spider. After , they pupate to develop into .
Behavior
are important , visiting flowers from diverse . exhibit active -seeking , functioning as mobile that locate and infiltrate hosts.
Ecological Role
serve as for a broad range of flowering plants. function as , regulating . The represents part of a specialized - interaction within .
Similar Taxa
- other Eulonchus speciesshare metallic coloration, rounded hairy bodies, and elongated mouthparts; require detailed morphological examination for separation
- other Acroceridae generaEulonchus distinguished by combination of metallic coloration, soft-haired , and greatly elongated mouthparts
More Details
Taxonomic revision
The was redescribed as part of a 2016 cybertaxonomic revision of North Eulonchus, which recognized six species in the and presented a phylogenetic analysis of species relationships.