Stichopogon venturiensis
Barnes, 2010
Stichopogon venturiensis is a small robber fly described by Barnes in 2010 from coastal California. It belongs to the Stichopogon, which contains ten North American species characterized by their predatory habits and preference for open, sandy or gravelly . The species was distinguished from previously recognized based on morphological features, representing part of a taxonomic revision that synonymized the former S. salinus with the widespread S. trifasciatus.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Stichopogon venturiensis: //ˌstɪk.hoʊˈpoʊ.ɡɒn vɛnˌtʊr.iˈɛn.sɪs//
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Identification
Distinguished from by abdominal patterning; Barnes (2010) separated this from other Nearctic Stichopogon with white-banded . The specific epithet references the type locality in Ventura County, California.
Habitat
Coastal California; specific microhabitat preferences not documented beyond type locality association.
Distribution
Known from coastal California, specifically Ventura County; precise range limits undefined due to limited survey effort and recent description.
Similar Taxa
- Stichopogon trifasciatusFormerly confused ; S. venturiensis was separated from the S. trifasciatus complex during Barnes' 2010 revision, which synonymized S. salinus with S. trifasciatus while recognizing S. venturiensis as distinct
- Stichopogon salinusFormerly recognized western now synonymized with S. trifasciatus; S. venturiensis was described from material previously difficult to assign within this complex