Eudioctria disjuncta
Adisoemarto & Wood, 1975
A small robber fly in the Stenopogoninae, measuring 6–8 mm in length. One of the tiniest North American robber flies, superficially resembling Cerotainia but distinguished by shorter and behavioral perching preferences. The Eudioctria is primarily western in distribution, with E. disjuncta being one of four eastern species.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Eudioctria disjuncta: /ˌjuːdioʊkˈtraɪə dɪsˈdʒʌŋktə/
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Identification
Distinguished from the similar Cerotainia ( Laphriinae) by shorter and behavioral differences: Eudioctria prefers flat leaves at the top of small shrubs, while Cerotainia perches on twig-ends. -level identification requires examination of facial gibbosities and assessment of pollinosity on body parts.
Images
Habitat
Found in areas with small shrubs where individuals perch on flat leaves at the top of vegetation.
Distribution
Primarily western United States; as one of four eastern (along with E. albius, E. brevis, E. propinqua, and E. tibialis), occurs in eastern North America including Missouri.
Behavior
Perches on flat leaves at the top of small shrubs, differing from the related Cerotainia which prefers twig-ends.
Similar Taxa
- CerotainiaSimilar superficial appearance as small robber flies, but distinguished by longer and perching on twig-ends rather than flat leaves.
- Eudioctria albiusOne of three other eastern in the same , requiring detailed morphological examination to separate.
- Eudioctria brevisOne of three other eastern in the same , requiring detailed morphological examination to separate.
- Eudioctria propinquaOne of three other eastern in the same , requiring detailed morphological examination to separate.
- Eudioctria tibialisOne of three other eastern in the same , requiring detailed morphological examination to separate.