Asilidae

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Torsten Dikow - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Updated checklist of French Guianan Asilidae (Diptera) with a focus on the Mitaraka expedition
    Zoosystema, 2019
    Co-Authors: Rodrigo Vieira, Alexssandro Camargo, Marc Pollet, Torsten Dikow
    Abstract:

    This paper documents the robber fly fauna collected in lowland rainforest in the southwesternmost part of French Guiana (Mitaraka). A total number of 146 asilid specimens were collected during the Mitaraka 2015 survey. These asilids represent six subfamilies, 23 genera, 16 described species, 28 morphospecies, and first records of 12 genera and 29 species for French Guiana. The subfamily Laphriinae Macquart, 1838 is clearly best represented with 14 genera and 28 species (especially Atomosiini Lynch Arribalzaga, 1882 with nine genera and 18 species), followed by Leptogastrinae Schiner, 1862 with three genera and seven species, Asilinae Latreille, 1802 with three genera and four species, Ommatiinae Hardy, 1927 with one genus and three species and Dasypogoninae Macquart, 1838 and Trigonomiminae Enderlein, 1914 with one species each. Eighteen and 11 species were collected as singletons or doubletons respectively, accounting for about of all species observed. Pilica erythrogaster (Wiedemann, 1828) and Hybozelodes dispar (Hermann, 1912) (both Laphriinae) were collected in the largest numbers, but appeared to be restricted to a few sites. A six meter long Malaise trap yielded the largest diversity and highest numbers of asilids, accounting for over 2/5 of all species collected. Also the SLAM traps, the light trap and sweep netting were quite productive. A checklist of the French Guianan Asilidae is provided.

  • Identification key to Afrotropical Asilidae genera - Londt & Dikow 2017 - updated
    2018
    Co-Authors: Torsten Dikow, Jason Londt
    Abstract:

    Identification to Afrotropical Asilidae genera published originally by Londt & Dikow 2017 in the Manual of Afrotropical Diptera (see http://afrotropicalmanual.org). The key provided in PDF-format here includes updates and enhancements to the original key. It is also available at http://keys.lucidcentral.org/keys/phoenix/Afrotropical_Asilidae_genera/ .Londt, J.G.H. and Dikow, T. 2017. 48. Asilidae (assassin flies or robber flies). In: A.H. Kirk-Spriggs and B.J. Sinclair (eds.), Manual of Afrotropical Diptera, vol. 2. Nematocerous Diptera and lower Brachycera, pp. 1097–1182. Suricata 5, SANBI, Pretoria. http://afrotropicalmanual.org

  • Genomic and transcriptomic resources for assassin flies including the complete genome sequence of Proctacanthus coquilletti (Insecta: Diptera: Asilidae) and 16 representative transcriptomes
    PeerJ Inc., 2017
    Co-Authors: Rebecca B. Dikow, Paul B. Frandsen, Mauren Turcatel, Torsten Dikow
    Abstract:

    A high-quality draft genome for Proctacanthus coquilletti (Insecta: Diptera: Asilidae) is presented along with transcriptomes for 16 Diptera species from five families: Asilidae, Apioceridae, Bombyliidae, Mydidae, and Tabanidae. Genome sequencing reveals that P. coquilletti has a genome size of approximately 210 Mbp and remarkably low heterozygosity (0.47%) and few repeats (15%). These characteristics helped produce a highly contiguous (N50 = 862 kbp) assembly, particularly given that only a single 2 × 250 bp PCR-free Illumina library was sequenced. A phylogenomic hypothesis is presented based on thousands of putative orthologs across the 16 transcriptomes. Phylogenetic relationships support the sister group relationship of Apioceridae + Mydidae to Asilidae. A time-calibrated phylogeny is also presented, with seven fossil calibration points, which suggests an older age of the split among Apioceridae, Asilidae, and Mydidae (158 mya) and Apioceridae and Mydidae (135 mya) than proposed in the AToL FlyTree project. Future studies will be able to take advantage of the resources presented here in order to produce large scale phylogenomic and evolutionary studies of assassin fly phylogeny, life histories, or venom. The bioinformatics tools and workflow presented here will be useful to others wishing to generate de novo genomic resources in species-rich taxa without a closely-related reference genome

  • Review and phylogenetic placement of Assassin Flies (Asilidae) in Tertiary: Eocene ambers
    2015
    Co-Authors: Torsten Dikow
    Abstract:

    Presentation on the Baltic amber Asilidae (assassin flies) and their phylogenetic placement - Hennig XXXIV - New York, NY, U.S.A. - June 2015

  • Robber Flies in Cretaceous Ambers (Insecta: Diptera: Asilidae)
    American Museum Novitates, 2014
    Co-Authors: Torsten Dikow, David A. Grimaldi
    Abstract:

    ABSTRACT Cretaceous fossils of Asilidae are reviewed, and two new taxa from Burmese and Raritan (New Jersey) ambers are described. The first robber fly from Burmese amber, †Burmapogon bruckschi, new genus and species, is described based on specimens of both sexes. A scientific name is provided for the previously described but unnamed fossil assassin fly from Raritan amber, †Cretagaster raritanensis, new genus and species, preserved as a fragmentary specimen. The amber fossils are placed phylogenetically within Asilidae. Specifically, †Burmapogon is postulated to be a representative of the clade comprised of (Brachyrhopalinae + Stichopogoninae), while †Cretagaster is a member of the Leptogastrinae and postulated to be an extinct sister group to (Acronychini + Leptogastrini).

Jason G.h. Londt - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • A survey of grassland Asilidae (Diptera) at Jacana Eco Estate, Hilton, South Africa
    African Invertebrates, 2020
    Co-Authors: Jason G.h. Londt
    Abstract:

    A year-long survey of grassland Asilidae was undertaken at Jacana Eco Estate, Hilton, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The following 18 species of Asilidae, in alphabetical order, were encountered: Caenoura annulitarsis (Loew, 1858), Damalis monochaetes Londt, 1989, Dasophrys androclea (Walker, 1849), Dasophrys fortis Londt, 1981, Dasophrys tarsalis (Ricardo, 1920), Dasophrys umbripennis Londt, 1981, Dysclytus firmatus (Walker, 1857), Euscelidia vallis Dikow, 2003, Ischiolobos mesotopos Londt, 2005, Leptogaster sp., Melouromyia natalensis (Ricardo, 1919), Microstylum sp., Neolophonotus hirsutus (Ricardo, 1920), Neolophonotus variabilis Londt, 1986, Neolophonotus wroughtoni (Ricardo, 1920), Pegesimallus bicolor (Loew, 1858), Pegesimallus pedunculatus (Loew, 1858), Rhipidocephala obscurata Oldroyd, 1966. Their flight periods were recorded and tabulated. The variety and numbers encountered suggest that the grassland invertebrate community is healthy and that the grassland is worthy of its conservation status.

  • urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:FF756EC5-FE19-4BAA-905F-481F5BD9AF74 The genus Synolcus Loew, 1858,
    2016
    Co-Authors: Jason G.h. Londt
    Abstract:

    species are described or redescribed, illustrated and mapped. A key for their identification is provided, while the taxonomy, distribution and biology of the group are discussed. KEY WORDS: Afrotropical, Asilidae, Synolcus, robber flies, taxonomy, new species, identification key

  • Afromosia, a new robber fly genus from Cameroon (Diptera: Asilidae: Laphriinae: Atomosiini)
    African Invertebrates, 2015
    Co-Authors: Jason G.h. Londt
    Abstract:

    Afromosia, a new monotypic genus of Afrotropical Asilidae (Laphriinae; Atomosiini), is described, illustrated and discussed. The type species, A. barkemeyeri sp. n., is recorded only for the West African country of Cameroon. The new taxa are discussed and a key for the separation of Afrotropical Atomosiini is provided.

  • An Updated Checklist of the Robber Flies of Gambia with the Description of a New Sphagomyia Londt, 2002 (Diptera: Asilidae)
    African Entomology, 2012
    Co-Authors: Jason G.h. Londt
    Abstract:

    A remarkable collection of 298 Gambian Asilidae collected by William F. Snow between 1974 and 1977 and housed in the collections of the Oxford University Museum of Natural History was recently reported upon (Londt 2010). Another collection comprising 196 specimens, collected by Snow from 1969 to 1973, became available for study and the results are reported here. A new species, Sphagomyia gambia, is described and many new records for previously listed species supplied. Nine species are recorded for the first time and a complete list of Gambian Asilidae is provided. With 68 species, The Gambia has West Africa's richest recorded asilid fauna.

  • Afrotropical Asilidae (Diptera) 27: Predation of Asilidae by Asilidae
    African Invertebrates, 1995
    Co-Authors: Jason G.h. Londt
    Abstract:

    Asilidae are commonly preyed upon by other Asilidae. An analysis of 101 predator/prey specimen pairs is reported upon. The results indicate: i. Female asilids are more frequently encountered with asilid prey than males. ii. The average size of the predators is 1.7 times that of their prey, although some were able to overpower prey larger than themselves. iii. The bulk of records involve predators belonging to Apocleinae and Stenopogoninae. iv. Leptogastrinae and Ommatiinae have not been recorded as preying on other asilids. v. Ground-frequenting asilids appear more prone to predation by other asilids; the reason for this may be spatial restriction or high adaptation to feeding on other ground inhabiting insects.

Axel O. Bachmann - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

Rodrigo Vieira - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Updated checklist of French Guianan Asilidae (Diptera) with a focus on the Mitaraka expedition
    Zoosystema, 2019
    Co-Authors: Rodrigo Vieira, Alexssandro Camargo, Marc Pollet, Torsten Dikow
    Abstract:

    This paper documents the robber fly fauna collected in lowland rainforest in the southwesternmost part of French Guiana (Mitaraka). A total number of 146 asilid specimens were collected during the Mitaraka 2015 survey. These asilids represent six subfamilies, 23 genera, 16 described species, 28 morphospecies, and first records of 12 genera and 29 species for French Guiana. The subfamily Laphriinae Macquart, 1838 is clearly best represented with 14 genera and 28 species (especially Atomosiini Lynch Arribalzaga, 1882 with nine genera and 18 species), followed by Leptogastrinae Schiner, 1862 with three genera and seven species, Asilinae Latreille, 1802 with three genera and four species, Ommatiinae Hardy, 1927 with one genus and three species and Dasypogoninae Macquart, 1838 and Trigonomiminae Enderlein, 1914 with one species each. Eighteen and 11 species were collected as singletons or doubletons respectively, accounting for about of all species observed. Pilica erythrogaster (Wiedemann, 1828) and Hybozelodes dispar (Hermann, 1912) (both Laphriinae) were collected in the largest numbers, but appeared to be restricted to a few sites. A six meter long Malaise trap yielded the largest diversity and highest numbers of asilids, accounting for over 2/5 of all species collected. Also the SLAM traps, the light trap and sweep netting were quite productive. A checklist of the French Guianan Asilidae is provided.

  • revision of diplosynapsis enderlein 1914 diptera Asilidae asilinae with description of four new species
    Zootaxa, 2016
    Co-Authors: Rodrigo Vieira, Jose Albertino Rafael
    Abstract:

    The robber fly genus Diplosynapsis Enderlein, 1914 is reviewed and four new species are described— D. chela sp. nov. (Amazonas state, Brazil), D. fisheri sp. nov. (Guapiles, Heredia, Limon, Puntarenas province, Costa Rica), D. spina sp. nov. (Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil) and D. uncinata sp. nov. (Amazonas state, Brazil). A lectotype is designated for D. cellata (Schiner, 1868) pres. desig. and comments are made on D. remus Tomasovic, 2002. An identification key and illustrations are presented for all species.

  • longivena a new robber fly genus from brazil diptera Asilidae asilinae
    ZooKeys, 2014
    Co-Authors: Rodrigo Vieira, Jose Albertino Rafael
    Abstract:

    Longivena gen. n. and five new species are described and illustrated from caatinga and cerrado habitats from Brazil: Longivena digitata sp. n., type–species (Maranhao, Bahia, Minas Gerais and Mato Grosso do Sul states), Longivena bilobata sp. n. (Maranhao state), Longivena flava sp. n. (Mato Grosso do Sul state), Longivena limeiraoliverai sp. n. (Maranhao state), Longivena spatulata sp. n. (Maranhao state). An illustrated key is also provided.

  • new genus and species of neotropical robber flies diptera Asilidae asilinae
    Zootaxa, 2014
    Co-Authors: Jorge N. Artigas, Rodrigo Vieira
    Abstract:

    A new genus and species of Papaverellus aureocingulatus from Brazil, belonging to the asilid subfamily, is described and illustrated. Photographs of the habitus of the male and female in lateral view, and male terminalia in ventral view are provided. The systematic position of Papaverellus gen. nov. is suggested and will be addressed in a future paper.

  • Aristofolia Ayala-Landa, a valid genus of Asilinae (Diptera, Asilidae)
    Revista Brasileira de Entomologia, 2014
    Co-Authors: Rodrigo Vieira, José Manuel Ayala Landa
    Abstract:

    Aristofolia Ayala-Landa, a valid genus of Asilinae (Diptera, Asilidae). The robber fly genus Aristofolia Ayala-Landa, 1978 is a monotypic taxon of Asilinae. The status of Aristofolia is revalidated, and addenda to the original description of the genus is provided. The habitus, wings, male and female terminalia are described and illustrated.

Jeffrey K. Barnes - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Terrestrial arthropods of Steel Creek, Buffalo National River, Arkansas. IV. Asilidae and other Diptera.
    Biodiversity data journal, 2016
    Co-Authors: Michael J. Skvarla, Jeffrey K. Barnes, Danielle M. Fisher, Ashley P. G. Dowling
    Abstract:

    BACKGROUND This is the fourth in a series of papers detailing the terrestrial arthropods collected during an intensive survey of a site near Steel Creek campground along the Buffalo National River in Arkansas. The survey was conducted over a period of eight and a half months in 2013 using twelve trap types, including Malaise and canopy traps, Lindgren multifunnel traps, and pan traps. NEW INFORMATION We provide collection records for 38 species of Asilidae and other Diptera, 7 of which are new state records for Arkansas: (Asilidae) Lasiopogon opaculus Loew, 1874; (Lygistorrhinidae) Lygistorrhina sancthecatharinae Thompson, 1975; (Stratiomyidae) Cephalochrysa nigricornis (Loew, 1866), Gowdeyana punctifera (Malloch, 1915), Sargus decorus Say, 1824; (Ulidiidae) Callopistromyia annulipes Macquart, 1855; and (Xylophagidae) Rachicerus obscuripennis Loew, 1863.

  • Tentative key to robber fly (Diptera: Asilidae) subfamilies based on pupal cases
    2013
    Co-Authors: Steve D. Dennis, Jeffrey K. Barnes
    Abstract:

    Subfamily keys for pupal cases of Asilidae are currently based on 5 taxa, Asilinae, Dasypogoninae, Megapodinae, Laphriinae and Leptogastrinae. Analysis of recently published adult morphological data and DNA sequence data suggests that the family consists of 14 subfamilies. A tentative key based on known pupal cases is provided for 10 of these subfamilies

  • Review and analysis of information on the biology and morphology of immature stages of robber flies (Diptera: Asilidae)
    Zootaxa, 2013
    Co-Authors: D. Steve Dennis, Jeffrey K. Barnes, Lloyd Knutson
    Abstract:

    Recent publications on the immature stages of robber flies (Asilidae) are reviewed and listed for the 14 currently recog­nized subfamilies (Asilinae, Bathypogoninae, Brachyrhopalinae, Dasypogoninae, Dioctriinae, Laphriinae, Leptogastri­nae, Ommatiinae, Phellinae, Stenopogoninae, Stichopogoninae, Tillobromatinae, Trigonomiminae, and Willistonininae). For the Phellinae there are only limited data on the pupal cases, and for the Tillobromatinae there are only limited data on the eggs (potential oviposition site in soil) and pupal cases. The recent literature is compared with pertinent pre-1972 pub­lications.

  • Tentative key to robber fly (Diptera: Asilidae) subfamilies based on pupal cases
    Zootaxa, 2011
    Co-Authors: D. Steve Dennis, Jeffrey K. Barnes
    Abstract:

    Subfamily keys for pupal cases of Asilidae are currently based on 5 taxa, Asilinae, Dasypogoninae, Megapodinae, Laphriinae and Leptogastrinae. Analysis of recently published adult morphological data and DNA sequence data suggests that the family consists of 14 subfamilies. A tentative key based on known pupal cases is provided for 10 of these subfamilies: Asilinae, Brachyrhopalinae, Dasypogoninae, Dioctriinae, Laphriinae, Leptogastrinae, Ommatiinae, Stenopogoninae, Stichopogoninae and Willistonininae. It is difficult to distinguish between Brachyrhopalinae and Dasypogoninae pupal cases because so many characteristics overlap. There are no described pupal cases for 4 subfamilies: Bathypogoninae, Phellinae, Tillobromatinae and Trigonomiminae. Morphological data are available for only approximately 10% of the genera and 2% of the species of Asilidae.

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