Ceraturgus
Wiedemann, 1824
Tiger Flies
Species Guides
10Ceraturgus is a of robber flies ( Asilidae) commonly known as Tiger Flies. The genus comprises approximately 14 described distributed primarily in North America, with some species occurring in eastern Asia. Taxonomic research has clarified species boundaries, including the resurrection of Ceraturgus fasciatus from synonymy and the reduction of C. mabelae to synonymy with C. nigripes. The subgenus Ceraturgopsis has been reinstated with C. cornutus as its type species.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Ceraturgus: //ˌsɛrəˈtɜːrɡəs//
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Identification
-level identification relies on examination of wing venation patterns and male genitalic structures. A published key to species exists for North America north of Mexico. The is distinguished from other Asilidae by characters detailed in taxonomic revisions, including specific wing and genitalic features.
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Distribution
Eastern United States and Canada; additional occur in eastern Asia including Japan and China. Distribution maps have been published for North American species.
Similar Taxa
- Other Asilidae generaCeraturgus share the general robust body form and predatory habits typical of robber flies, requiring examination of wing venation and genitalic characters for definitive identification.
More Details
Taxonomic History
Ceraturgopsis has been resurrected and assigned subgeneric rank within Ceraturgus, with Ceraturgus cornutus fixed as the type of this subgenus.
Species Count Discrepancy
Sources vary in reported count: Wikipedia cites approximately 14 described species, while iNaturalist reports approximately 11. This discrepancy likely reflects ongoing taxonomic changes and synonymy revisions.