Blepharotes rischbiethi

Blepharotes rischbiethi
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Diptera
Family:	Asilidae
Genus:	Blepharotes
Species:	B. rischbiethi
Binomial name
Blepharotes rischbiethi Lavigne, 2009

Blepharotes rischbiethi is a species of large predatory fly from Australia in the family Asilidae (robber flies). It was described by Robert Lavigne and Andy Young in 2009.[1]

Description

Male body length measures 33–39 mm (1.3–1.5 in).[1] Females measure 35–40 mm (1.4–1.6 in).[1] The abdomen is bright orange and the beard is white.[1] B. rischbiethi is easily distinguished from other species of the genus by the presence of heavy white setation on the sides of abdominal tergites 1 and 2.[1]

Distribution

This species has been found in Queensland and South Australia, including Kangaroo Island.[1][2]

Behaviour

Adults have been recorded feeding on beetles, flies and bees.[1][2]

References

1. Lavigne, Robert; Andy, Young (2009). "A New Species of Blepharotes (Insecta: Diptera: Asilidae: Apocleinae) from Kangaroo Island with Notes on its Behaviour". The South Australian Naturalist. 83 (1): 10–17 – via Academia.
2. "Blepharotes rischbiethi". iNaturalist. Retrieved 10 April 2023.