Ospriocerus latipennis
(Loew, 1866)
Ospriocerus latipennis is a robber fly in the Asilidae, one of three Ospriocerus species recorded in Canada. It inhabits grassland on the Great Plains. The species has been documented in association with the family Meloidae, though the nature of this relationship requires further investigation. As with other robber flies, are presumed to be predatory.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Ospriocerus latipennis: /ˌɒspriˈoʊsərəs læˈtɪpənɪs/
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Identification
Ospriocerus latipennis can be distinguished from the other two Canadian Ospriocerus using morphological characters detailed in taxonomic keys. It differs from O. abdominalis and O. vallensis in features of the and male genitalia. The species has broader wings relative to body size, reflected in its specific epithet 'latipennis' (wide-winged).
Habitat
Grasslands on the Great Plains. In Canada, this is found in prairie within the Great Plains region.
Distribution
Great Plains of Canada. The occurs in prairie provinces and extends southward into the United States. Its range overlaps broadly with O. abdominalis in the Great Plains grasslands.
Host Associations
- Meloidae - documented behavioral associationA relationship between Ospriocerus latipennis and the Meloidae has been documented, though the specific nature of this interaction is not detailed in available sources.
Behavior
includes documented association with blister beetles ( Meloidae). As with other robber flies, adults are likely predatory, though specific prey records for this are not available.
Similar Taxa
- Ospriocerus abdominalisOverlapping distribution in Great Plains grasslands; distinguished by morphological features of and male genitalia, and by abdominal coloration pattern (O. abdominalis has red abdominal coloration).
- Ospriocerus vallensisThird Canadian in the ; occurs in Intermontane grasslands of southern British Columbia rather than the Great Plains, and distinguished by morphological features.
More Details
Taxonomic Note
The was originally described by Loew in 1866. GBIF lists it as a synonym of Stenopogon latipennis, though it is currently accepted as Ospriocerus latipennis in modern taxonomic treatments. The Canadian Entomologist revision (2026.10049) provides the most recent comprehensive treatment of this species.
Conservation Context
The dry hilltop prairie and grassland where Ospriocerus occur are among the most critically imperiled natural in North America. In Missouri, similar habitats support relictual of western species including O. abdominalis, which was documented as a new state record in 2009 from Loess Hills prairie remnants. The continued presence of these species depends on conservation of remaining prairie habitats.