Andrenosoma hesperium

Martin, 1966

Golden-horned Chiselmouth

Andrenosoma hesperium is a of in the , Laphriinae. Described by Martin in 1966, this western North species is one of six Andrenosoma species occurring in North America, with four species restricted to Texas, one to eastern North America (A. fulvicaudum), and A. hesperium occurring only in the western United States. Like other laphriine robber flies, its are of wood-boring larvae.

Andrenosoma hesperium by no rights reserved, uploaded by Scott Loarie. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Andrenosoma hesperium: /ændrɛnəˈsoʊmə hɛˈspɪriəm/

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Identification

Andrenosoma hesperium is distinguished from the eastern North A. fulvicaudum by geographic range, with A. hesperium restricted to the western United States. Within the , it may be distinguished from the four Texas- by distribution. Specific morphological diagnostic features for A. hesperium are not documented in available sources. are likely to show the general laphriine characteristics: body, predatory stance, and coloration patterns typical of the genus.

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Habitat

Dry, sandy locations with exposed woody substrates including logs, stumps, and tree trunks in sunny conditions. Associated with pine forests and recently burned forests that provide for wood-boring .

Distribution

Western United States only. The Andrenosoma reaches its greatest diversity in the Neotropics.

Diet

are predatory, capturing and feeding on small . are specialized of wood-boring larvae ( and ).

Life Cycle

with , , , and stages. Larvae develop in dead wood, feeding on wood-boring larvae. occurs in characteristic pupal cases that may protrude from holes in wood.

Behavior

are sit-and-wait that perch on exposed woody substrates in sunny locations to ambush . They are attracted to recently burned forests.

Ecological Role

of wood-boring during larval stage; on small . Contributes to regulation of wood-boring beetle in forest .

Similar Taxa

  • Andrenosoma fulvicaudumEastern North distinguished by geographic range; has reddish posteriodorsal abdominal markings and similar preferences but occurs east of the Great Plains.
  • Other Andrenosoma speciesFour additional restricted to Texas; A. hesperium distinguished by western U.S. distribution.

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