Lasiopogon shermani

Cole & Wilcox, 1938

Lasiopogon shermani is a of in the , described by Cole and Wilcox in 1938. The Lasiopogon comprises small to -sized robber flies commonly found in sandy . As with other Asilidae, this species is predatory, capturing other in . The species is documented from a limited number of observations, suggesting it may be uncommon or underrecorded.

Lasiopogon shermani by (c) Tristan A. McKnight, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Tristan A. McKnight. Used under a CC-BY license.Lasiopogon shermani by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.Lasiopogon shermani by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Lasiopogon shermani: //ˌlæsiˈɒpoʊɡɒn ˈʃɜːrməni//

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Identification

Members of Lasiopogon can be distinguished from other by their generally small size, slender build, and characteristic facial mystax composed of fine, relatively sparse . Specific identification of L. shermani requires examination of male and comparison with related in the genus. The species lacks the prominent abdominal patterns seen in some .

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Habitat

Sandy substrates, including dunes and riverine sandbars; associated with open, sparsely vegetated ground where perching sites are available.

Distribution

Documented from western North America; precise range boundaries remain poorly defined due to limited collection records.

Behavior

Perches on bare ground or low vegetation to ambush ; is rapid and maneuverable, typical of the .

Ecological Role

of small flying ; contributes to regulation in sandy systems.

Similar Taxa

  • Lasiopogon asilomarOverlaps in geographic range and preference; distinguished by male genitalic structure and subtle differences in mystax .
  • Lasiopogon cinctusSimilar size and sandy association; L. cinctus typically shows more pronounced abdominal banding.

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