Cyrtopogon dasylloides
Williston, 1883
Cyrtopogon dasylloides is a of robber fly ( Asilidae) described by Samuel Wendell Williston in 1883. It belongs to the Cyrtopogon, a group of medium-sized robber flies found primarily in North America. The species is documented in Colorado, where it has been observed in foothill and montane . Like other asilids, it is a predatory insect that captures prey in .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cyrtopogon dasylloides: //sɜːrˈtɒpəˌɡɒn dæsɪˈlɔɪdiːz//
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Identification
Members of Cyrtopogon can be distinguished from similar robber fly by their relatively slender bodies, long legs, and typically banded or patterned . Within the genus, -level identification requires examination of male genitalia and other subtle morphological characters. C. dasylloides specifically may be recognized by its overall coloration and body proportions, though precise field identification is challenging without specimen examination. The genus lacks the pronounced mystax (beard of bristles on the ) seen in some larger asilid genera such as Promachus.
Habitat
Observed in foothill and montane environments in Colorado, including scrub oak and mixed conifer forest. These elevations represent transitional zones between grassland and true montane forest.
Distribution
Documented from Colorado, USA. The Cyrtopogon has a predominantly North American distribution, with many in the western United States.
Ecological Role
As a robber fly, this functions as an aerial of other insects, contributing to of various groups in its .
Similar Taxa
- Cyrtopogon willistoniCongeneric found in similar Colorado ; males of C. willistoni have distinctive genital structures and may show differences in abdominal patterning
- Promachus speciesLarger robber flies with more robust bodies and prominent facial mystax; differ in overall size and proportions
- Efferia speciesAnother common robber fly in western North America; typically larger with different wing venation and abdominal shape
More Details
Taxonomic Note
The specific epithet 'dasylloides' suggests a resemblance to the Dasylus (now a synonym of Cyrtopogon), indicating historical taxonomic confusion within this group of robber flies.