Two new species of Bathypogon: gerardi and monartoensis (Diptera: Bathypogoninae), from Monarto Zoological Park, South Australia with notes on their behavior and seasonal distribution

Abstract

Two new species of robber flies of the genus Bathypogon, studied in the Monarto Zoological Park, South Australia, are described based on an examination of specimens of both sexes. Bathypogon gerardi is a late autumn species occurring in Mallee scrub and other dry environments, whereas B. monartoensis is an early summer species from the same environment. Copulation of both species takes place in the ‘tail-to-tail’ position with the male and female facing in opposite directions.