Dysclytus firmatus (Walker, 1857)

Londt, Jason G. H., 2020, A survey of grassland Asilidae (Diptera) at Jacana Eco Estate, Hilton, South Africa, African Invertebrates 61 (1), pp. 29-48 : 29

16. Dysclytus firmatus (Walker, 1857) Fig. 8

Remarks.

Dysclytus Loew, 1858, is currently monotypic, with firmatus being considered the only valid species. In his handling of the genus, Londt (1979) records the species from only two relatively small areas, one in KwaZulu-Natal Province (Durban, Isipingo and Tongaat) and the other in eastern Mpumalanga Province (Ngondwana (= Ngodwana), Kaapsehoop, Waterval Onder and Elandshoek). Although a few more recently collected specimens are to be found in the KwaZulu-Natal Museum’s collection, none have previously been collected in the Hilton or Pietermaritzburg area.

Adults of this species had a relatively short period of activity in summer, being encountered in fair numbers in weeks 46-48, while a single specimen was collected in week 49. The species was invariably encountered in the lower field.

This fairly large and distinctive species was almost invariably seen flying over or between grass clumps and coming to rest on vegetation. While none were encountered mating, one female was collected with prey, a small cicada ( Cicadidae ). The species appears to be largely confined to Londt’s (1994) ecological category 4b (grass tips). The female’s laterally compressed ovipositor suggests oviposition in grass.

Figures

Figures 4 - 13. Grassland inhabiting Asilidae encountered at Jacana Eco Estate (arranged alphabetically): 4 Caenoura annulitarsis (Loew, 1858) 5 Damalis monochaetes Londt, 1989 6 Dasophrys fortis Londt, 1981 7 Dasophrys tarsalis (Ricardo, 1920) 8 Dysclytus firmatus (Walker, 1857) 9 Euscelidia vallis Dikow, 2003 10 Ischiolobos mesotopos Londt, 2005 11 Leptogaster sp. 12 Microstylum sp. 13 Rhipidocephala obscurata Oldroyd, 1966. Photos: B. Muller.