Bibio holtii

McAtee, 1922

Bibio holtii is a of March fly described by McAtee in 1922. It belongs to the Bibionidae, a group characterized by males with large and females with small relative to body size. The species exhibits a Holarctic distribution pattern, occurring across the northern hemisphere. Like other Bibio species, are typically active in spring and form conspicuous swarms.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Bibio holtii: /ˈbɪbi.oʊ ˈhoʊl.taɪ.aɪ/

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Identification

Can be distinguished from related Palaearctic Bibio pomonae by morphological characters of the male genitalia and leg structure. Males possess large, spherical that meet at the top of the ( condition), while females have disproportionately small heads. The fore tibia bears a pair of stout, downcurved spurs characteristic of the Bibio.

Distribution

Holarctic distribution—transcontinental across the northern hemisphere. Originally described from North America.

Seasonality

Spring ; active during April and May in temperate regions.

Life Cycle

deposited in soil masses of 200–300. Larvae feed on decaying organic matter in rich soils. Mature larvae likely overwinter, with occurring in early spring.

Behavior

Males form dense swarms near ground level and low vegetation to attract females. Prolonged copulation and post-copulatory guarding by males has been observed in related Bibionidae.

Similar Taxa

  • Bibio pomonaeClosely related Palaearctic with which B. holtii has been compared in zoogeographic studies; distinguished by male genitalia and leg characters.
  • Bibio brunnipesAnother Holarctic Bibio ; B. holtii differs in specific morphological details of the male fore tibia and hypopygia.

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