Bandits

Cophura

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Superfamily: Asiloidea
Family: Asilidae
Subfamily: Dasypogoninae
Genus: Cophura

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cophura: /koʊˈfjʊərə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Cophura daphne by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

Cophura is a genus of robber flies in the family Asilidae, comprising at least 50 described species, known for their distinctive physical characteristics and predatory behavior.

Physical Characteristics

First flagellomere unnotched; male with 7 visible abdominal tergites; wing hyaline or brown only on basal two-thirds, not spotted; pulvilli present; face plane or rounded; scutum without crest of hairs; protibial spur present but thin and sigmoid.

Identification Tips

Look for 7 visible abdominal tergites and unnotched first flagellomere, as well as the general color of the wings and the absence of hair crest on the scutum.

Habitat

Found in various habitats across the western United States and British Columbia, Canada, into Mexico.

Distribution

Western United States, British Columbia, Canada, Mexico.

Diet

Predatory; feeds on other insects as is typical for robber flies.

Life Cycle

Detailed life cycle information not provided; typical for robber flies to have a larval stage developed in soil or decaying organic matter.

Reproduction

Details on reproductive behavior not provided; typical of Asilidae family to involve copulation followed by egg laying on or near prey.

Ecosystem Role

Predators of other insects, contributing to the ecological balance.