Ethology of Promachus bastardii (Macquart, 1838) (Diptera: Asilidae) in Northeastern Florida, U.S.A.

Authors

  • D. Steve Dennis retired

Keywords:

Behavior, robber flies, prey, Diptera, Asilidae

Abstract

Promachus bastardii (Macquart, 1838) foraged from both the ground and vegetation, capturing most prey in flight and then immobilizing them during a hover prior to landing to feed. Identified prey came from four insect orders (Coleoptera (15.6%), Diptera (8.3%), Hemiptera (4.2%), Hymenoptera (59.4%), and unidentified/uncollected (12.5%)). Mating occurred in the male over female position and ovipositing was in dried seed heads of plants and an oak bullet gall, typically in the shade of vegetation. This species exhibited a distinct daily rhythm for feeding, mating, and ovipositing, primarily between 09:00 AM and 12:00 noon. Other topics discussed include habitats, resting behavior, grooming behavior, and predators and parasites.

Author Biography

D. Steve Dennis, retired

1105 Myrtle Wood Drive, St. Augustine, Florida 32086-4838, U.S.A.

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Published

21.11.2016

How to Cite

Dennis, D. S. (2016). Ethology of Promachus bastardii (Macquart, 1838) (Diptera: Asilidae) in Northeastern Florida, U.S.A. Journal of the Entomological Research Society, 18(3), 69–92. Retrieved from https://www.entomol.org/journal/index.php/JERS/article/view/1035

Issue

Section

Journal of the Entomological Research Society