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Title: Ethology of Omniablautus nigronotum (Wilcox) (Diptera: Asilidae) in Wyoming

Author
item LAVIGNE, ROBERT - ENT. S. AUSTRALIA MUS.
item Pogue, Michael

Submitted to: Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/23/2007
Publication Date: 1/27/2009
Citation: Lavigne, R.J., Pogue, M.G. 2009. Ethology of Omniablautus nigronotum (Wilcox) (Diptera: Asilidae) in Wyoming. Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington. 111:1-6.

Interpretive Summary: Flies in the family Asilidae, or robber flies, have been considered possible biocontrol agents of insect pests because of their predatory nature. We have analyzed the behavior of a robber fly in southwestern Wyoming and have compiled a list of prey of which some are potential crop pests. These results indicate that robber flies could potentially be used as biocontrol mechanism against those pests and reduce crop damage. This information will be useful to scientists studying insect biocontrol and animal behavior

Technical Abstract: In southwest Wyoming, Omniablautus nigronotum (Wilcox), hunted primarily from the surface of the sandy substrate in a greasewood community. Prey, captured in flight, represented four insect orders with Diptera and Hymenoptera predominating. Courtship consisted of the male approaching the female from the front, bobbing up and down, simultaneously waving its fore tarsi, and weaving back and forth. The flies positioned themselves linearly for mating following initial copulation in the male atop female position.