Ethology of Stichopogon trifasciatus (Say, 1823) (Diptera: Asilidae) in Northeastern Florida, U.S.A.

Abstract

 Stichopogon trifasciatus (Say, 1823) foraged from the ground, and rocks and small sticks on the ground. Most prey were captured and immobilized in flight. Prey came from the orders Araneae (1.4%), Coleoptera (1.4%), Diptera (26.1%), Hymenoptera (2.9%), Lepidoptera (1.4%), and Orthoptera (66.7%). Mating was generally preceded by male courtship and occurred in the male over female position. Eggs were laid in the soil. The daily rhythm of activity consisted of peaks for both mating and feeding in the morning and afternoon, although after the morning peak these behaviors steadily decreased. Grooming behavior was similar to that described for other species of Asilidae. Habitat, resting behavior, and predators and parasites also are discussed.