Overview

The genus Lasiopogon is a widespread group of robber flies (Diptera: Asilidae) inhabiting the north temperate parts of the Earth. This study is the first to examine the genus as a complete entity and clearly define intrageneric relationships. It is also the first to pay special attention to the male and female genitalia, important structures in the taxonomy of the genus. There are 118 known species of Lasiopogon, about half of these yet to be described. Dr Cannings gives a cladistic overview of some defined species groups, and provides a detailed taxonomic and phylogenetic analysis of the 7 species groups and 29 species in the opaculus section, comprising about 25 per cent of the genus. He describes 14 new species in this section and redescribes the others. Dr Cannings also offers a biogeographic hypothesis of the history of Lasiopogon, suggesting that the genus may have originated in Laurasia as early as the late Jurassic period.

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9780772646361

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Reviews

This monograph is a sturdy, hardbound volume that resulted from years of study of this group of flies limited to the Holarctic region. Dr. Cannings gives a wonderful summary of the biology and natural history of the family as a whole. It will serve as a jumping-off point for students of these flies for years to come because of its bibliographic thoroughness. C. Riley Nelson, Western North American Naturalist

Author Information

Dr. Robert A. Canningsis curator of entomology at the Royal BC Museum. He has studied dragonflies for 30 years and is the author of many popular and technical publications on these insects.

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