Cyrtopogon

Loew, 1847

robber fly

Cyrtopogon is a of in the , comprising at least 120 described . These predatory are opportunistic hunters of small , with documented spanning 25 families across 7 . Males of at least some species perform elaborate involving visual signals and specialized structures. The genus exhibits thermoregulatory behaviors including 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.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//

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Diet

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

Behavior

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

Ecological Role

of small in terrestrial .

Tags

Sources and further reading