Desolation comes from the sky: Invasive Hymenoptera species as prey of Chilean giant robber flies (Diptera: Asilidae) through field observations and citizen science

Abstract

• Robber flies are important predators of many insects species, mainly Hymenoptera. • Obelophorus terebratus concentrated the majority of hunting behavior on invasive bee. • Bombus terrestris was the prey more common among Chilean robber flies. • Three giant robber fly increasing his distribution thank to citizen science records. Robber flies (Asilidae) are the main predatory fly family feeding on beetles, butterflies, other flies for true flies, and even spiders; however, Hymenoptera is the most common prey. Invasive Hymenoptera species are common in central and southern Chile; however, few predators of these are known. The hunting behavior and prey of Chilean robber fly species are also poorly known. The aim of this study is to provide the first hunting behavior records of five Chilean giant robber fly species on invasive Hymenoptera. In addition, an updated distribution of these species is provided. Records of hunting behavior were based on fieldwork collections and citizen science observations. The historical distribution was compared with citizen science observations using chi-square analyzes. Twelve predation events were recorded. Obelophorus terebratus was the most common predator. Bombus terrestris was the invasive Hymenoptera most preyed upon. Both the extension of occurrence of Lycomya germainii as Obelophorus species showed changes in his distribution. Only O. landbecki shown changes in area of occupancy. Citizen science is playing a key role in the knowledge of biological interactions and distribution of endemic and native Chilean robber fly species.