Diogmites misellus

Loew, 1866

Little Hanging Thief

Diogmites misellus is a of robber fly in the Asilidae, commonly known as the Little Hanging Thief. The Diogmites is notable for its distinctive hunting : members are known as 'hanging thieves' due to their habit of suspending themselves from vegetation by their forelegs while manipulating prey with their remaining legs. This species was described by Loew in 1866.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Diogmites misellus: /diˈɒɡmaɪtiːz mɪˈsɛləs/

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Identification

Members of the Diogmites can be distinguished from other robber flies by their characteristic 'hanging thief' —suspending from vegetation by their front or middle legs while handling prey with the other legs. Specific identification of D. misellus requires examination of morphological details not readily available in the provided sources. The genus is part of the Dasypogoninae.

Behavior

Hangs from vegetation by front or middle legs while manipulating prey with remaining legs, a that gives the its of 'hanging thieves'.

Ecological Role

of other insects, like other robber flies.

Similar Taxa

  • Other Diogmites speciesShare the distinctive 'hanging thief' ; specific identification requires detailed morphological examination.
  • Other DasypogoninaeRelated members may share general body plan but lack the characteristic hanging of Diogmites.

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Sources and further reading