Desmatoneura argentifrons
Williston, 1895
Desmatoneura argentifrons is a of bee fly ( Bombyliidae) in the Anthracinae and tribe Xeramoebini. It was described by Williston in 1895. The species is known from the western United States, particularly the Great Basin region. Like other bee flies, are nectar feeders and larvae are presumed to be .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Desmatoneura argentifrons: /dɛsˌmætəˈnʊərə ˌɑrdʒɛnˈtɪfrɒnz/
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Habitat
Semi-arid hills and Great Basin desert environments. Associated with vegetation including antelope bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata), desert peach (Prunus andersonii), and rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus spp.).
Distribution
Western United States, specifically the Great Basin region including Nevada.
Diet
feed on nectar from flowers, including rabbitbrush.
Behavior
are active fliers among flowering shrubs in semi-arid .
Ecological Role
contribute to pollination of flowering shrubs. Larval unknown but likely parasitoidal based on characteristics.
Similar Taxa
- Geron argentifronsSimilar name and appearance; both are bombyliid flies with silvery facial markings, but belongs to different (Geron vs. Desmatoneura).
More Details
Taxonomic note
The specific epithet 'argentifrons' refers to silvery or silver-colored (front of ), a distinctive facial marking characteristic of this .