Comantella fallei
(Back, 1909)
Comantella fallei is a small to medium-sized robber fly (10-15 mm) found in California and Colorado. are active in early spring and late fall, an unusual seasonal pattern for Asilidae. The is distinguished by a humpbacked profile, a slender spur on the front tibia, and a distinctive "Mohawk" mane of hairs on the . One observation documents on a small wolf spider (Pardosa).
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Comantella fallei: //koʊˈmænˌtɛlə ˈfæleɪ//
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Identification
The combination of a humpbacked profile, slender spur on the front tibia tip, and a thoracic "mane" separates Comantella from similar Asilidae such as Eucyrtopogon. Within the genus, C. fallei is distinguished by characters including the relative length of the terminal style versus the third antennal segment and body hair coloration.
Habitat
Open fields with bare soil substrates. perch on the ground, rarely on vegetation.
Distribution
California and Colorado, USA.
Seasonality
active in early spring (observed as early as March 12) and late fall (observed as late as November 29). This bimodal seasonal pattern is unusual among robber flies.
Diet
Predatory. One specimen observed preying on a small wolf spider (Araneae: Lycosidae: Pardosa).
Life Cycle
suspected to overwinter in protected places. Larval and pupal stages undescribed in published sources.
Behavior
Perches on bare ground in open . Active .
Ecological Role
of small arthropods, including spiders.
Similar Taxa
- Comantella pacificaOverlaps in western North America; distinguished by distribution (British Columbia to Nevada and Utah) and antennal/style proportions
- Comantella cristataFound in Idaho and California; distinguished by distribution and antennal/style proportions
- Comantella rotgeriOccurs in Colorado, New Mexico, and Alberta; distinguished by distribution and antennal/style proportions
- EucyrtopogonSimilar small asilids that may be confused due to general appearance; distinguished by the humpbacked profile, front tibial spur, and thoracic mane present in Comantella
More Details
Taxonomic status
The Comantella is considered to be in need of taxonomic revision by asilid . Current keys rely on antennal and genitalic measurements that may be refined upon further study.