Eudioctria nitida

(Williston, 1883)

Eudioctria nitida is a of robber fly in the Asilidae, Stenopogoninae. It is one of the smallest North American robber flies, measuring approximately 6–8 mm in length. The Eudioctria contains 14 species, with most distributed in the western United States; four species (including E. nitida) extend into eastern North America. Species identification within the genus requires examination of facial gibbosities and pollinosity patterns.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Eudioctria nitida: /ˌjuːdiˈɒktriə ˈnɪtɪdə/

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Identification

Members of Eudioctria are among the tiniest North American robber flies at 6–8 mm length. They superficially resemble Cerotainia ( Laphriinae) but lack the extra-long characteristic of that . Eudioctria species can be further distinguished from Cerotainia by behavioral differences: Eudioctria prefers perching on flat leaves at the top of small shrubs, while Cerotainia tends to perch on twig ends. Definitive species-level identification of E. nitida requires examination of facial gibbosities and assessment of pollinosity on various body parts.

Distribution

Eudioctria is primarily a western U.S. . Four of its 14 , including Eudioctria nitida, occur in eastern North American states. The species has been documented in Missouri.

Behavior

Eudioctria preferentially perch on flat leaves at the top of small shrubs, a behavioral trait distinguishing them from the superficially similar Cerotainia.

Similar Taxa

  • CerotainiaSuperficially similar in appearance due to small size and general body form, but distinguished by extra-long and preference for perching on twig ends rather than flat leaves.

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