Ospriocerus
Loew, 1866
robber flies
Species Guides
10Ospriocerus is a of robber flies ( Asilidae) containing approximately 17 described . These large, predatory flies are primarily associated with grassland and prairie across western North America. Several species exhibit mimetic coloration resembling spider wasps (Pompilidae), with black bodies and red or orange abdominal markings. The genus has been documented as far north as Canada and south into Mexico. Species such as O. abdominalis represent significant range extensions when found in eastern localities, highlighting the importance of remnant prairie conservation.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Ospriocerus: /ˌɒspriˈoʊsɛrəs/
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Identification
in this are large-bodied robber flies with short that distinguish them from superficially similar mydas flies (Mydidae), which possess elongate clubbed antennae. Several species exhibit -mimetic coloration: black body and wings with red abdominal coloration. This separates them from the western robber fly Wyliea mydas, which has wholly black and red wings. Specific identification to species level requires examination of male genitalia and antennae structure.
Images
Habitat
Primarily associated with grassland and prairie . In Canada, O. abdominalis and O. latipennis inhabit Great Plains grasslands, while O. vallensis occurs in Intermontane grasslands of southern British Columbia. In the United States, are found in dry hilltop prairie remnants, sand prairies, and loess hilltop prairies. These are often critically imperiled due to woody encroachment, fire suppression, and anthropogenic degradation.
Distribution
Western North America from Canada south to Mexico. Canadian records include southern British Columbia and prairie provinces. In the United States, documented from the Great Plains westward, with some extending into the southwestern states. Notable eastern records include Missouri, where O. abdominalis was documented in loess hilltop prairie remnants representing a significant range extension from previously known localities in Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Host Associations
Similar Taxa
- Wyliea mydasBoth exhibit -mimetic coloration modeled after spider wasps (Pompilidae), but distinguished by wing and abdominal color pattern: Ospriocerus has black wings with red , while Wyliea has red wings with black abdomen.
- Mydas flies (Mydidae)Similar large size and body form, but distinguished by : Ospriocerus has short antennae typical of Asilidae, while mydas flies have elongate clubbed antennae.