Dilophus serotinus
Loew, 1861
March fly
Dilophus serotinus is a of in the , first described by Loew in 1861. Like other members of the Dilophus, are typically smaller and less than related Bibio species, often with reddish coloration. The genus is characterized by a ring of shorter on the legs rather than the long found in Bibio. As with other bibionids, develop in soil and feed on decaying matter.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Dilophus serotinus: /dɪˈloʊfəs sɪˈrɒtɪnəs/
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Identification
Dilophus serotinus can be distinguished from the related Bibio by the presence of a ring of shorter on the rather than long, downcurved . Dilophus are generally smaller and less than Bibio, and frequently exhibit reddish coloration rather than black. Males have large, spherical with that meet at the top of the head, while females have disproportionately small heads relative to their body size. Specific identification to species level within Dilophus requires examination of male characters.
Seasonality
emerge in late season relative to other ; the specific epithet 'serotinus' (meaning 'late' in Latin) suggests later compared to . Other Dilophus have been observed in May in Colorado and California, though timing varies by region and species.
Diet
feed on decaying material in rich soils, and have been observed in manure, compost, and on roots of grasses and herbs. mouthparts are reduced and adults do not feed significantly.
Life Cycle
Females use the toothed legs to dig into soil several inches deep to in masses of 200-300. Larval stages develop in soil, feeding on decaying matter. Mature likely overwinter, with occurring in early spring. are short-lived, with some living only 2-3 days as adults.
Behavior
Males gather in swarms near the ground and low vegetation to attract females. Females approach these swarms to select mates. Prolonged copulation and post-copulatory guarding by males has been observed in related , with pairs remaining conjoined for hours to days.
Ecological Role
function as , breaking down decaying material in soils. In some circumstances, larvae can be minor pests of cereal , vegetables, and rangeland grasses by feeding on roots. serve as a food source for various .
Similar Taxa
- BibioBibio are larger, more , and black rather than reddish; they possess long, downcurved on the rather than a ring of shorter . Both are in the and share the characteristic of males having and females having small .
- Plecia nearcticaThe '' in copula for extended periods and is a significant nuisance to humans in the southeastern United States; Dilophus are generally less conspicuous and do not form the massive that create driving hazards.