Dilophus strigilatus
McAtee, 1922
March fly
Dilophus strigilatus is a of in the , first described by McAtee in 1922. Like other Dilophus species, it belongs to a distinguished from the related Bibio by having a ring of shorter on the fore rather than long . emerge in spring and are typically smaller and less than Bibio species, often with reddish coloration.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Dilophus strigilatus: /daɪˈloʊfəs strɪˈdʒɪlətəs/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from the related Bibio by the presence of a ring of shorter on the fore instead of long, downcurved . Typically smaller and less than Bibio , with frequent reddish coloration. Males recognized by (eyes meeting dorsally); females by proportionally small .
Appearance
are generally smaller and less than Bibio . The body is frequently reddish in color rather than black. Males have large, spherical that meet at the top of the (). Females have relatively small heads compared to their body size. Fore bear a ring of shorter rather than the long, downcurved characteristic of Bibio.
Distribution
North America (documented in iNaturalist observations).
Seasonality
emerge in spring (observed in mid-May in Colorado for related Dilophus ).
Life Cycle
Larval stages feed on decaying matter in soil. Females use foreleg structures to dig into soil to in masses. Mature likely overwinter, pupating in early spring.
Behavior
Males gather in swarms to attract females for mating. Females select mates from swarming males.
Ecological Role
act as , processing decaying material in soils. Occasional root feeding may occur.
Similar Taxa
More Details
Genus characteristics
The Dilophus contains 15-18 in North America north of Mexico. Many former species were synonymized based on variable characters like leg color and hair ; reliable identification often requires examination of male .