Hylobittacus apicalis

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Hylobittacus apicalis: //ˌhaɪloʊˈbɪtəkəs ˌæpɪˈkeɪlɪs//

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Summary

Hylobittacus apicalis is a common species of hangingfly found in the eastern United States and Mexico, notable for its unique mating behavior involving nuptial gifts and its specialized feeding habits. Its life cycle includes distinctive larvae and a pupation process that aids in its adaptability to environments rich in herbaceous plants.

Physical Characteristics

Medium-sized, with a body length of around 1.9 cm; two pairs of wings with black wingtips. Antennae are short relative to body size. Males and females can be distinguished by sexual dimorphism in the abdominal segments.

Identification Tips

Adults can be recognized by their resting position with wings outspread and the presence of black wingtips.

Habitat

Adults are found around small herbaceous plants in various environments throughout the lower United States and Mexico.

Distribution

Eastern United States (from New York to Illinois to Oklahoma to Georgia) and Mexico.

Diet

Feeds mainly on non-insect invertebrates and insects, particularly Auchenorrhyncha like aphids, treehoppers, leafhoppers, and psyllids. Males select larger prey for mating purposes.

Life Cycle

Holometabolous lifecycle; larvae feed on dead insects. The fourth instar larva prepares a burrow to pupate.

Reproduction

Females chose mates based on the size of nuptial gifts (prey) presented by males. Females lay an average of 3.5 eggs after mating, typically 14 eggs per day during reproductive periods, with no parental care after laying.

Predators

Mainly web-making spiders, but also Robber flies, Damselflies, and occasionally cannibalistic behavior from other H. apicalis adults.

Ecosystem Role

As predators of small invertebrates, they play a role in controlling prey populations and contribute to nutrient cycling in their habitat.

Collecting Methods

• Visual observation and netting during diurnal flight periods.
• Investigating the foliage where they hang for easier capture.

Preservation Methods

• Pinned and dried specimens for taxonomic studies.
• Preserved in alcohol for larval and soft-bodied adults.

Similar Taxa

• Other species within the family Bittacidae.
• Related Mecoptera species.

Misconceptions

Often confused with other hangingfly species, but H. apicalis is distinct due to its breeding behaviors and prey capture methodologies.

Tags

• Hylobittacus apicalis
• Hangingfly
• Mecoptera
• Bittacidae
• Diurnal behavior
• Mating behavior