Eur. J. Entomol. 99 (1): 35-42, 2002 | DOI: 10.14411/eje.2002.009

Choice of perching sites by East Asian robber flies (Diptera: Asilidae)

Joachim HAUPT*
University of the Ryukyus, Tropical Biosphere Research Center (Iriomote Station), 870 Uehara, Taketomi-cho 907-15, Okinawa-ken, Japan; e-mail: hptjeiic@sp.zrz.tu-berlin.de

Field observations in different habitats on the island of Iriomote (Yaeyama, Ryukyu, Japan) were carried out concerning their importance as perching sites of robber flies (Diptera, Asilidae), including the specialization of different species to varying microhabitats. Factors of mutual exclusion for the different species include spatial (horizontal and vertical), seasonal and behavioural factors. Some geographically widespread species prefer open areas, commonly used for agriculture, but endemic species are localized in the tropical forests of the lowlands, and afford that area the need for special protection.

Keywords: Diptera, Asilidae, behaviour, biodiversity, tropical ecology

Received: July 30, 2001; Revised: October 17, 2001; Accepted: November 13, 2001; Published: March 15, 2002  Show citation

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HAUPT, J. (2002). Choice of perching sites by East Asian robber flies (Diptera: Asilidae). EJE, 99(1), 35-42. doi: 10.14411/eje.2002.009
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