Saropogon luteus

Coquillett, 1904

Saropogon luteus is a of robber fly ( Asilidae) described by Coquillett in 1904. It belongs to the Dasypogoninae and tribe Saropogonini. The species epithet 'luteus' (Latin for yellow or golden-yellow) likely refers to its coloration. Like other members of the Saropogon, it is a predatory fly that captures other insects in .

Saropogon luteus by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Saropogon luteus: /ˈsæroʊˌpoʊɡɒn ˈluːtiəs/

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Identification

Saropogon luteus can be distinguished from other Nearctic Saropogon by its yellow to golden coloration, as indicated by the species epithet. Members of the Saropogon are generally characterized by a mystax (facial beard) of bristles, a feature common to Asilidae that protects the during prey capture. For definitive identification, reference to the taxonomic revision by Alberts (2023) of Nearctic Saropogon species north of Mexico is recommended.

Images

Distribution

North America, specifically within the Nearctic region north of Mexico. The has been recorded in the southwestern United States, including Arizona.

Behavior

As a member of the Asilidae, Saropogon luteus is an aerial that captures other insects in . It possesses venom used to immobilize prey and initiate , typical of robber flies.

Ecological Role

Saropogon luteus functions as a predatory insect within its , contributing to the control of other . Asilidae are considered top aerial among insects.

Similar Taxa

Saropogon pyrodesAnother Nearctic Saropogon described by Alberts in 2023, distinguished by 'fire-like' coloration compared to the yellow/golden tones of S. luteus
Other DasypogoninaeShare the characteristics but differ in -level morphological features and coloration patterns

More Details

Taxonomic Revision

The was included in the first comprehensive taxonomic review of Nearctic Saropogon north of Mexico, published by Charlotte Herbert Alberts in ZooKeys in 2023 as part of her dissertation research on Asilidae .