Genus “Saltanthrax”
“Saltanthrax nataliae”
This is a small, dark fly, to be assigned to a new genus (description in prep), “Saltanthrax”. It occurs on or near the ground, often below the vegetation, and is usually seen at the edges of riparian areas. It perches for short periods, and rarely at flowers, so that the insect appears to be repeatedly jumping. The wings always exhibit a cluster of dark spots near the costa and, invariably, 3 submarginal cells. Some individuals have strongly reflective scales on the abdomen.
Range: COCH, GRAH, PIMA, PNAL
Occurs: Late July to Mid-October
“Saltanthrax devichei”
Photographed north of our area in Maricopa County, this species (description in prep) looks somewhat like a small Lepidanthrax but with golden-orange patches on the collar, thorax, scutellum and most of T2 and beyond. Also note the silvery white dots on the scutellum, T2, and T4. Very similar wing maculation to that of “S. nataliae” but generally more colorful and with only 2 submarginal cells.
Range: GRAH, PNAL
Occurs: Early April to Early May