Ethology of Diogmites crudelis Bromley, 1936 (Diptera: Asilidae) in Northeastern Florida, U.S.A.

Abstract

 Diogmites crudelis Bromley, 1936 (during 106 hours of observation) foraged from the ground and vegetation, capturing and immobilizing prey in flight. Identified prey came from three insect orders (Diptera, Hemiptera, and Hymenoptera), with Hymenoptera making up 81.7%. Mating occurred in the tail-to-tail position and oviposition was in the ground, typically in the shade of vegetation when the sun was shining. This species exhibited a distinct daily rhythm of activity for feeding from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM and oviposition from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Habitats, resting behavior, grooming behavior, and predators and parasites also are discussed.