Ethology of Promachus bastardii (Macquart, 1838) (Diptera: Asilidae) in Northeastern Florida, U.S.A.
Keywords:
Behavior, robber flies, prey, Diptera, AsilidaeAbstract
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.