Texas Hammertail

Efferia texana

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Superfamily: Asiloidea
Family: Asilidae
Subfamily: Asilinae
Genus: Efferia
Species: texana

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Efferia texana: //ˈɛf.ɪ.rɪə tɛkˈsɑː.nə//

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Summary

Efferia texana, or the Texas Hammertail, is a species of robber fly characterized by its sexual dimorphism, hunting strategy as an ambush predator, and distinct morphology between males and females. The species shows considerable adaptation to arid and semi-arid environments and contributes to biodiversity in those ecosystems.

Physical Characteristics

Small to large-sized (10–40 mm) robber flies with distinct sexual dimorphism; females possess a short or long hairless ovipositor, while males have a distinctive 'helicopter tail' adorned with glossy black claspers. Males' claspers are covered in hairs and are larger than the abdominal segments, oriented diagonally to vertically upwards. Body coloration is typically greyish to brownish in females and more contrasting in males with silvery and/or black patches. Wings vary from transparent brown to dark black, with specific venation including a recurrent vein on R1 and a narrow cell r4.

Identification Tips

Look for the characteristic 'helicopter tail' in males, and the coloration differences between sexes. The pulsing buzz of the male during flight can also aid in identification.

Habitat

Found in arid and semi-arid ecosystems, particularly in deserts and grasslands; often perch close to the ground.

Distribution

Primarily distributed in the Neotropical and Nearctic regions.

Diet

Predominantly ambush predators feeding on a variety of flying insects from orders such as Diptera, Homoptera, Hymenoptera, and others; cannibalism is common.

Life Cycle

Life cycle information is sparse but follows typical dipteran development, involving stages from egg to larva and then pupation before emerging as adults.

Reproduction

Reproduction involves mating where males display their claspers during copulation; females lay eggs using their ovipositor.

Ecosystem Role

As predators, they play a significant role in controlling insect populations, particularly of flying insects.

Evolution

Part of the Asilidae family, which shows high diversity in morphology and behavior across various climates, especially arid regions.

Similar Taxa

Proctacanthus philadelphicus