Cyrtopogon

Loew, 1847

robber fly

Species Guides

Cyrtopogon is a of robber flies in the Asilidae, comprising at least 120 described . These predatory flies are opportunistic hunters of small insects, with documented prey spanning 25 families across 7 orders. Males of at least some species perform elaborate involving visual signals and specialized structures. The genus exhibits thermoregulatory including lateral and basking, and appears dependent on direct sunlight for sustained .

Cyrtopogon by (c) Trevor Van Loon, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Trevor Van Loon. Used under a CC-BY license.

Cyrtopogon anomalus by (c) Tristan A. McKnight, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Tristan A. McKnight. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cyrtopogon: //sɪrˈtɒpəɡɒn//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Diet

Opportunistic of relatively small insects. Documented prey in Cyrtopogon willistoni includes Diptera (44%), (21%), with Cicadellidae, Bibionidae, and Formicidae comprising 44% of prey items.

Behavior

Males perform elaborate courtship including audible airborne visual displays utilizing silvery-white combs of hairs on the foretarsi. While perching, flies exhibit lateral and basking postures. Strong capability appears limited to periods of direct sunlight availability.

Ecological Role

of small insects in terrestrial .