Cyrtopogon glarealis

Members of the genus Cyrtopogon can be distinguished from other robber fly genera by their slender body form, relatively long legs, and characteristic male courtship postures involving the forelegs. Species-level identification within Cyrtopogon requires examination of genitalic structures and detailed morphological features not discernible from general field observations.

Documented in western North America, with observations from Colorado. The specific epithet 'glarealis' (relating to gravel or bare ground) may suggest association with open, rocky, or sparsely vegetated terrain.

Males of the genus Cyrtopogon, including C. glarealis, have been observed performing courtship displays that involve extending the forelegs toward females. This behavior has been documented in photographic records from Colorado.

As a predatory robber fly, likely functions as an aerial predator of other insects, contributing to invertebrate population regulation in its habitat.

• Cyrtopogon willistoniAnother Cyrtopogon species found in similar western North American habitats; distinguished by specific morphological features and potentially overlapping range in Colorado.
• Other Asilidae genera (e.g., Efferia, Promachus)Larger or more robust robber flies with different body proportions and lacking the slender build and characteristic courtship postures of Cyrtopogon.

• robber fly
• asilidae
• predatory fly
• diptera
• western north america
• colorado

• BugGuide
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life
• Bug Eric: The Bigger Picture
• Bug Eric: Blodgett Peak Bioblitz Report