Eudioctria sackeni
(Williston, 1883)
Eudioctria sackeni is a of robber fly in the Asilidae, Stenopogoninae. The Eudioctria comprises among the smallest North American robber flies, measuring only 6–8 mm in length. Species in this genus superficially resemble Cerotainia (subfamily Laphriinae) but lack the extra-long . Eudioctria is primarily a western U.S. genus, though four of its 14 species occur in eastern states.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Eudioctria sackeni: //ˌjuːdiˈɒk.tri.ə ˈsækɛnaɪ//
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Identification
Members of Eudioctria can be distinguished from the superficially similar Cerotainia (Laphriinae) by their shorter . Behavioral differences also aid identification: Eudioctria prefers flat leaves at the top of small shrubs, while Cerotainia tends to perch on twig-ends. -level identification within Eudioctria requires examination of facial gibbosities and assessment of pollinose body parts.
Images
Distribution
Western United States, with some extending into eastern states. Four of 14 Eudioctria species (albius, brevis, propinqua, tibialis) occur in eastern North America.
Behavior
Perches on flat leaves at the top of small shrubs.
Similar Taxa
- CerotainiaSuperficially similar appearance but distinguished by extra-long and preference for perching on twig-ends rather than flat leaves on shrub tops.