Ceraturgus elizabethae

Ceraturgus elizabethae can be distinguished from other robber flies by features of the genus Ceraturgus: a prominent, forward-projecting proboscis; a concave facial profile between the antennae; and modified leg spines adapted for prey capture. Specific identification to species level requires examination of male terminalia and female ovipositor structure, as well as details of wing venation and body coloration pattern. The species is most readily separated from congeners by subtle differences in the shape of the male claspers and the pattern of pale markings on the abdomen.

Eastern North America. The type locality and primary known range is North Carolina, USA, based on the original description by Brimley. Records from iNaturalist suggest occurrence in the southeastern United States.

As a member of the Asilidae, Ceraturgus elizabethae functions as an aerial predator in insect communities. Robber flies are known to regulate populations of other flying insects, including potential pest species such as flies, bees, wasps, and beetles. The species occupies a mid-trophic level position, consuming herbivorous and pollinating insects while itself serving as prey for larger predators such as birds and dragonflies.

• Other Ceraturgus speciesCongeners share the distinctive concave face and prominent proboscis; require examination of genitalic structures for definitive separation.
• Other Brachyrhopalinae robber fliesSimilar body plan and predatory behavior; Ceraturgus is distinguished by the combination of facial concavity and specific leg spine modifications.
• Promachus and related large robber fliesSimilar size and aerial hunting behavior; differ in facial profile (convex or flat rather than concave) and leg spine arrangement.

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life