Eudioctria doanei
(Melander, 1924)
Eudioctria doanei is a small robber fly ( Asilidae) in the Stenopogoninae. It belongs to a of diminutive predatory flies measuring only 6–8 mm in length, making them among the smallest North American robber flies. The was described by Melander in 1924. While specific details about this particular species are sparse, the genus Eudioctria is primarily western in distribution, with four of its fourteen species extending into eastern North America. Members of this genus are known to perch on flat leaves at the tops of small shrubs, distinguishing them behaviorally from similar-looking Cerotainia species that prefer twig-ends.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Eudioctria doanei: //juːˌdaɪˈɒktriə ˈdoʊənaɪ//
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Identification
Eudioctria are among the smallest North American robber flies at 6–8 mm in length. They superficially resemble Cerotainia species ( Laphriinae) but lack the extra-long characteristic of that . Eudioctria doanei specifically requires examination of facial gibbosities and assessment of pollinosity on various body parts for definitive identification. The genus can be distinguished behaviorally: Eudioctria prefers flat leaves at the top of small shrubs, while Cerotainia tends to perch on twig ends.
Distribution
Eudioctria is primarily a western North American . Four of its fourteen (E. albius, E. brevis, E. propinqua, E. tibialis) occur in eastern states. The specific distribution of E. doanei is not well documented in available sources.
Similar Taxa
- CerotainiaSuperficially similar small robber flies in Laphriinae, but distinguished by extra-long and perching on twig-ends rather than flat leaves.
- DioctriaRelated in the same tribe Dioctriini; Eudioctria was historically grouped with Dioctria and six related genera.