In field guides, members of this family are usually called "flower-loving
flies," but research shows that Apiocera species, at
least, hardly ever live up to this name.
Distribution
Map
Red dots indicate specimen records or confirmed breeding sites.
British Columbia
Apioceri barri is the only member of the Family Apioceridae
occurring in Canada, where it is restricted to the southern Okanagan
Valley.
Habitat
They inhabit sandy, arid and semiarid habitats, and most flies
observed never visit flowers, but rather are found running on the
ground, especially near the sparse vegetation, where they may feed
on honeydew beneath aphid-infested plants. They are often seen drinking
from damp sand with their sponge-like mouth-parts.
Why is it endangered?
Rare invertebrates of the south Okanagan and Similkameen valleys
such as this species are threatened not by direct exploitation,
but by loss or degradation of their habitats. They are at risk because
their ecosystems are at risk.
The grasslands of the southern interior of the province are a
valuable agricultural resource, and their rich soils have been ploughed
and irrigated to produce tree fruits, grapes, and vegetables. Pesticide
use has probably had a great impact on native insects living in
around agricultural areas. As well, heavy grazing has altered the
plant composition of grasslands, changing the invertebrate communities.
The massive diversity of invertebrate species in British Columbia
makes it very difficult for entomologists to do a literature or
collection survey to determine which species are endangered or threatened.
Specialized, detailed surveys will be required for almost every
species that is suspected of being endangered. Despite a general
ignorance about invertebrate distribution, information is known
about a number of species that are confined to threatened habitats
of very limited extent in the Thompson-Okanagan valleys.
Biology
The carnivorous
larvae live in loose soil and evidently feed on other
invertebrates there. Look for these flies on hot days
in August.
Sources for more information
Related On-line Sites to Visit
Publications
Cannings, R.A. A review of the distribution and natural history
of Apiocera barri and Nemomydas pantherinus
(Diptera: Apioceridae and Mydidae), two rare asiloid flies from
the southern Interior of British Columbia. Journal of the Entomological
Society of British Columbia 103: 55-60.
Rare invertebrates of the South Okanagan, brochure, MOE, March 1995
Museum Specimens
Industry Canada