Odontoloxozus

Enderlein, 1922

cactus flies

Odontoloxozus is a of in the , established by Enderlein in 1922. The genus contains at least three described distributed in the Americas. Members of this genus are associated with cactus , with detailed behavioral documented for Odontoloxozus longicornis in Arizona. Males exhibit territorial and alternative mating strategies related to body size and environmental conditions.

Odontoloxozus by no rights reserved, uploaded by Steve Wells. Used under a CC0 license.

Cactus Fly Male (6276186325) by Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Oozing Encounter - Flickr - treegrow by Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Odontoloxozus: /oʊˌdɒntoʊˈlɒksəz/

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Images

Habitat

Associated with cactus ; specifically documented from giant saguaro cacti (Carnegiea gigantea) in desert environments. Males of O. longicornis defend territories on cactus surfaces or search for females in within cacti depending on environmental conditions.

Distribution

Documented from Pima County, Arizona for O. longicornis. The includes with broader distribution: O. longicornis, O. pachycericola (described 1986), and O. peruanus (described 1937 from Peru).

Host Associations

Carnegiea gigantea - / sitegiant saguaro cactus; documented for O. longicornis

Behavior

Males exhibit territoriality at sites and postcopulatory guarding of females. Two alternative male mating strategies exist: larger males defend territories on cactus surfaces when conditions permit, while smaller males search for females. When environmental conditions restrict movement, all males adopt searching in . Males engage in repeated matings with females.

Similar Taxa

NeriusBoth belong to and share the diagnostic character of antennal situated apically on the postpedicel; distinguished by forecoxa coloration and antennal proportions in identification
GlyphidopsBoth in with similar cactus-associated habits; distinguished in by forecoxa coloration (dark in Glyphidops versus in Nerius, with Odontoloxozus having elongate antennal )