Cyrtopogon basingeri
Wilcox & Martin, 1936
Cyrtopogon basingeri is a of robber fly in the Asilidae, described by Wilcox and Martin in 1936. As a member of the Cyrtopogon, it belongs to a group of predatory flies known for their aerial hunting . The species is documented from limited observations, with records in iNaturalist indicating very few confirmed sightings. Robber flies in this genus are typically associated with open, sunny where they perch and ambush prey.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cyrtopogon basingeri: //ˌsɪrtəˈpoʊɡɒn ˌbæsɪŋˈɡɛri//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Distribution
Documented from Colorado, USA, based on bioblitz records from Blodgett Peak Open Space in Colorado Springs. The iNaturalist database reports 2 observations of this .
Behavior
Courtship has been observed in Cyrtopogon robber flies, as documented in photographic records. Members of this typically perch on exposed surfaces and ambush flying insect prey.
Ecological Role
As a predatory robber fly, likely functions as an aerial of other insects, contributing to in its .
Similar Taxa
- Cyrtopogon willistoniAnother male Cyrtopogon documented from the same bioblitz event in Colorado Springs, suggesting sympatric occurrence and potential for misidentification without careful examination of diagnostic features.
More Details
Data scarcity
This is represented by only 2 observations in iNaturalist, indicating it is either genuinely rare, underreported, or difficult to identify without expertise.