Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Explanation of Names
Apiocera Westwood 1835
'pear-horn', refers to the shape of antennomere 3
Numbers
48 spp. in our area (all in the subg.
Pyrocera), >140 spp. in 4 subgenera total
(2)Identification
Males are easily recognized by their pair of large, dark, bulbous, hemitergites (the dorsolateral covering of the terminalia arising as lateral posterior projections of the ninth tergite
(1)).
Females have short, tapering, cylindrical sclerites near the end of the abdomen, the tip covered by numerous, stout, outwardly-radiating, spines.
Some species have distinctive abdominal markings, but for most species ID must be confirmed via examination of male terminalia, visible by properly spreading hemitergites (see
here)
Range
each subgenus in a diff. region, with Australia having the largest species number of any continent; in NA, western (mosly sw.US)
(2)Print References
Cazier M. (1985) New species and notes on flies belonging to the genus
Apiocera (Diptera, Apioceridae). Am. Mus. Novitates 2837: 1-28. (
Full text)
Wharton R.A. (1983) The biology of Apiocera haruspex Osten Saken (Diptera: Apioceridae) in central California, and comparison with other Asiloidea. Pan-Pac. Entomol. 58: 296-301