Ethology of Proctacanthus fulviventris Macquart, 1850 (Diptera: Asilidae) in Northeastern Florida, U.S.A.

Abstract

 Proctacanthus fulviventris Macquart, 1850 (during 214 hours of observation) foraged primarily from the ground, capturing and immobilizing prey in flight. Identified prey came from two insect orders (Diptera and Hymenoptera), with Hymenoptera making up 88%. Mating occurred in the male over female position and oviposition was in the ground, typically in the shade of vegetation or a shaded depression in the ground when the sun was shining. This species exhibited a distinct daily rhythm of activity for feeding, mating, and oviposition. Grooming behavior resembled that described for other species of Asilidae. Habitats, resting behavior, and predators and parasites also are discussed.