Descriptions of Pupae of South American Robber Flies (Diptera: Asilidae)

The pupae of four South American species of robber flies, Diogmites vulgaris Carrera, Mallophora ruficauda (Wiedemann), Mallophora sylverii Macquart, and Triorla striola (F.), are described and illustrated. The pupae of these species are compared morphologically with those of North American species of the same genera. A key to pupae of Asilidae at the subfamily level is provided. Biological notes associated with the specimens examined and with those of Pseudorus distendens (Wiedemann) indicate that the larvae prey upon immature stages of Scarabaeidae (Dyscinetus rugifrons LeConte for D. vulgaris and M. sylverii, Cyclocephala signaticollis Burmeister for M. ruficauda, and a cerambycid beetle for P. distendens). The notes also provide information on habitat, phenology, and duration of immature stages