Saropogon mohawki

Wilcox, 1966

robber fly, assassin fly

Saropogon mohawki is a of robber fly ( Asilidae) described by Wilcox in 1966. It belongs to the Dasypogoninae and tribe Saropogonini. The Saropogon is part of the Nearctic fauna north of Mexico, with species reviewed in a 2023 taxonomic revision. Like other Asilidae, this species is a predatory fly, though specific ecological details remain undocumented.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Saropogon mohawki: /ˌsærəˈpoʊɡɒn məˈhɔːki/

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Identification

Saropogon mohawki can be distinguished from other Nearctic Saropogon through characters detailed in the 2023 taxonomic revision by Alberts. The species was described based on specimens collected in 1964. Identification to species level requires examination of morphological features and comparison with the original description and subsequent revision.

Distribution

The is known from Arizona, based on the type locality and collection records. It is part of the Nearctic fauna north of Mexico.

Ecological Role

As a member of the Asilidae , Saropogon mohawki functions as an aerial of other arthropods. Robber flies occupy a high trophic position as venomous predators in their .

Human Relevance

The gained attention when images posted to iNaturalist and BugGuide by a scientist prompted a comprehensive taxonomic revision of Nearctic Saropogon, demonstrating the value of community science in documenting biodiversity.

Similar Taxa

Saropogon pyrodesAnother Nearctic Saropogon with 'fire-like' coloration; distinguished from S. mohawki through morphological characters detailed in Alberts (2023)

More Details

Taxonomic History

The was first collected in 1964 but remained undescribed until Wilcox formally named it in 1966. It was included in the first comprehensive review of Nearctic Saropogon north of Mexico, published by Charlotte Herbert Alberts in 2023 as part of her dissertation research.

Research Significance

The description of S. mohawki and its S. pyrodes in the 2023 revision represents the first taxonomic work on this in the Nearctic region in decades, highlighting ongoing discoveries in well-known insect .