Machimus erythocnemius
(Hine, 1909)
White-spined Bladetail
Machimus erythocnemius is a of robber fly ( Asilidae) first described by Hine in 1909. It is one of approximately 180 species in the Machimus, which is distributed across the Holarctic region. The "White-spined Bladetail" refers to distinctive morphological features. Like other robber flies, it is presumed to be an active aerial .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Machimus erythocnemius: //ˈmækɪməs ɛˌrɪθəˈniːmiəs//
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Identification
The "White-spined Bladetail" suggests diagnostic features involving pale spines on the legs and a flattened or expanded terminal abdominal segment. Specific identification characters distinguishing it from such as Machimus sadyates and Machimus notatus have not been documented in available sources.
Distribution
North America. The has been documented in the United States based on iNaturalist observations, though precise range boundaries remain undefined.
Behavior
As with other Asilidae, are presumed to be sit-and-wait that capture flying insects in mid-air.
Ecological Role
As a member of the Asilidae, likely functions as a of other insects, potentially contributing to regulation of insect .
Similar Taxa
- Machimus sadyatesCongeneric with overlapping distribution; separation requires examination of leg spine coloration and abdominal terminalia structure.
- Machimus notatusCongeneric ; distinguished by subtle differences in body markings and genitalia, though specific characters for M. erythocnemius are not well documented.