Saguaro-cactus
Guides
Odontoloxozus
cactus flies
Odontoloxozus is a genus of cactus flies in the family Neriidae, established by Enderlein in 1922. The genus contains at least three described species distributed in the Americas. Members of this genus are associated with cactus habitats, with detailed behavioral ecology documented for Odontoloxozus longicornis in Arizona. Males exhibit territorial behavior and alternative mating strategies related to body size and environmental conditions.
Odontoloxozus longicornis
longhorn cactus fly
Odontoloxozus longicornis, commonly known as the longhorn cactus fly, is a species of true fly in the family Neriidae. This species exhibits complex reproductive behavior including male territoriality at oviposition sites and postcopulatory guarding. Males adopt condition-dependent mating strategies, with larger individuals defending territories on giant saguaro cacti while smaller males search for females. The species has been documented in desert environments of the southwestern United States and Mexico.