Systoechus candidulus
Loew, 1863
Systoechus candidulus is a of in the , first described by Loew in 1863. It is known from Ontario, Canada, and across most of the United States. The species is distinguished from the related Bombylius by activity timing—Systoechus species tend to be active in fall rather than spring. Its are of , a trait that differs from the lifestyle of many other bombyliid larvae.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Systoechus candidulus: /sɪsˈtiːkəs kænˈdɪdʒʊləs/
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Identification
of Systoechus can be distinguished from Bombylius by the position of the r-m crossvein on the . Members of Systoechus tend to be active as adults in the fall, whereas Bombylius are more typically spring-active. The Systoechus is placed in tribe Bombyliini based on these characters.
Images
Habitat
Found in sand prairie remnants and open sandy ground . One observation records an resting on sandy ground in a sand prairie remnant in the Mississippi lowlands of southeastern Missouri.
Distribution
Ontario, Canada, and across most of the United States.
Seasonality
are active in fall, in contrast to the spring activity of related Bombylius .
Diet
are of . diet not explicitly documented, though many are known to feed on nectar.
Host Associations
- grasshopper eggs - on in the soil
Life Cycle
develop as of . Specific details of egg-laying , larval , and not documented for this .
Behavior
are skittish and difficult to approach, a trait shared with many . One observed individual was seen resting on sandy ground before attempting when disturbed.
Ecological Role
Larval on may contribute to grasshopper in open .
Similar Taxa
- BombyliusSimilar appearance and shared tribe Bombyliini; distinguished by (position of r-m ) and seasonality (spring vs. fall)
More Details
Taxonomic history
First described by Hermann Loew in 1863. The Systoechus remains taxonomically challenging, with identification often requiring examination of characters.