Eudioctria denuda
(Wilcox & Martin, 1941)
Eudioctria denuda is a of robber fly in the Asilidae, Stenopogoninae. It belongs to a of small, compact robber flies measuring only 6–8 mm in length. The genus Eudioctria is primarily western in distribution, with only four of its fourteen species occurring in eastern North America. Species identification within the genus requires examination of facial gibbosities and assessment of pollinosity on body parts.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Eudioctria denuda: /ˌjuː.diˈɒk.tri.ə dɪˈnjuː.də/
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Identification
Distinguished from the unrelated Cerotainia ( Laphriinae) by shorter . Separated from other Eudioctria by facial gibbosity structure and pollinosity patterns, though these characters require specimen examination. Among the smallest North American robber flies at 6–8 mm length.
Appearance
Small compact robber fly measuring 6–8 mm in length. Lacks the exceptionally long characteristic of the superficially similar Cerotainia. Specific morphological features distinguishing E. denuda from include details of facial gibbosities and degree of pollinosity on various body parts, though these require close examination to assess.
Habitat
Perches on flat leaves at the top of small shrubs, in contrast to Cerotainia which prefers twig-ends.
Distribution
Western United States; the Eudioctria is primarily western in distribution with only four (E. albius, E. brevis, E. propinqua, E. tibialis) occurring in eastern states. Specific distribution records for E. denuda are sparse.
Diet
Predatory, as with all robber flies; specific prey preferences for this are undocumented.
Behavior
Perches on flat leaves at the tops of small shrubs, a behavioral distinction from the similar Cerotainia which tends to perch on twig-ends.
Ecological Role
in shrubland and open ; likely contributes to regulation of small .
Similar Taxa
- Cerotainia spp.Superficially similar small robber flies, but distinguished by Cerotainia's extra-long and preference for perching on twig-ends rather than flat leaves on shrub tops.
- Other Eudioctria speciesRequire examination of facial gibbosities and pollinosity patterns for definitive separation; E. denuda was originally described as Dioctria denuda in 1941.
More Details
Taxonomic history
Originally described as Dioctria denuda by Wilcox & Martin in 1941, later transferred to Eudioctria. The Eudioctria contains 14 according to Adisoemarto and Wood (1975).