Eudioctria
Wilcox & Martin, 1941
Species Guides
14Eudioctria is a of small robber flies in the Asilidae, established by Wilcox & Martin in 1941. The genus comprises approximately 14 described , making it one of the more species-rich genera within the Stenopogoninae. Species in this genus are among the smallest North American robber flies, measuring only 6–8 mm in length. The genus is primarily distributed in western North America, though four species extend into eastern states.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Eudioctria: /ˌjuːdiˈɒktriə/
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Identification
Eudioctria are distinguished from the superficially similar Cerotainia ( Laphriinae) by their shorter ; Cerotainia possesses extra-long antennae not seen in Eudioctria. Species-level identification requires examination of facial gibbosities and assessment of pollinosity on various body parts. The genus is placed in subfamily Stenopogoninae based on morphological characters. are notably small for robber flies, with a compact body form.
Images
Habitat
in this have been observed perching on flat leaves at the top of small shrubs. This perching distinguishes them behaviorally from Cerotainia, which tends to perch on twig-ends.
Distribution
Primarily a western United States . Four of the 14 (E. albius, E. brevis, E. propinqua, E. tibialis) occur in eastern states. Specific state records include Missouri, where the genus has been photographed at Shaw Nature Reserve in Gray Summit.
Seasonality
have been observed active in May in Missouri. Further seasonal data across the range is not well documented.
Behavior
Perches on flat leaves at the top of small shrubs. This behavioral trait has been noted as a distinguishing characteristic from similar .
Similar Taxa
- CerotainiaSuperficially similar in appearance but distinguished by extra-long and different perching (twig-ends versus flat leaves on shrubs)
More Details
Taxonomic history
The was established by Wilcox & Martin in 1941. A comprehensive treatment of Nearctic was provided by Adisoemarto and Wood in 1975.
Size comparison
At 6–8 mm in length, Eudioctria are dramatically smaller than the largest North American robber flies such as Microstylum morosum (35–40 mm).