Heteropogon rubrifasciatus
Bromley, 1931
Heteropogon rubrifasciatus is a of robber fly in the Asilidae, Brachyrhopalinae. The Heteropogon comprises small to medium-sized predatory flies known for their distinctive courtship . Like other asilids, they are aerial that capture other insects in . This species was described by Bromley in 1931. Very few specific observations of H. rubrifasciatus have been documented, with only 13 records in iNaturalist as of the knowledge cutoff.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Heteropogon rubrifasciatus: /ˌhɛtɛroʊˈpoʊɡən ˌruːbrɪfæsɪˈɑːtəs/
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Distribution
Known from North America; specific range details are poorly documented. The Heteropogon occurs across the continent, with related found in Colorado, Wyoming, and the western United States.
Similar Taxa
- Heteropogon macerinusCongeneric with similar size (~10 mm), drab coloration, and perching on twigs. Both exhibit elaborate aerial courtship where males hover before females with hind legs spread and stroke female with ornamented front . H. macerinus is more frequently observed and documented.
- Ablautus speciesSmall asilids with similar sand-colored, cryptic appearance and ground-perching habits. Both contain that prey on small insects and exhibit involving leg movements, though Ablautus males have distinctive white facial hairs versus ornamented .