This Saropogon is from Oklahoma. Taken by Dale Randall in Roger Mills county. It was feeding on ants which is not a common behavior for any robber. Note the marked similarity to our Diogmites. Note the larger terminus in this male and the tapering abdomen. Also has a wider facial space between the eyes and a more tapered antenna than Diogmites. This is a genus of about 19 species in the west and central states. (See the Texas list.) About four species are known from OK and this is almost certainly S. pritchardi. Pritchard did quite a bit of work in the west central states. Though this species was described by the ever active Bromley. Note the heavier terminus compared to male Diogmites. And the antenna shape is different. Also note the uniform red legs in this male. Saropogon Key is here.

Shot showing the actual ant in feeding position. Apparently it was making quite a pile of dead ant victims in this open area of cow country. Thanks to Dale for use of these shots and Roy Beckemeyer for the information.

Compare with this female Saropogon hypomelas from the Austin area. Shot from Greg Lasley. Note the red abdomen. This is a smaller species than the above pritchardi. Note black-topped red femora and golden face.

Greg's shot showing the extent of the red abdominal surface in the female on this individual.

Greg also shot this darker Saropogon in Caldwell county Texas. Appears to be ovipositing in solid rocks, not sure. This is in the larger species group with dark abdomens and may be Saropogon dispar. You can see at least one white corner on the abdominal segments but no visible red. Legs are reddish and dark.

And from south Oklahoma a dark Saropogon that may also be S. dispar. Very similar to Greg's and I think this is a female as well. Coxal hairs are clearly pale on this species and it is certainly in the group with a mostly black abdomen. On none of the shots can I see the scutellar hair number, though they are present. We are still looking for S. birdii from OK. It is one of the large species with only two marginal scutellar bristles.

Same animal forward angle. Showing the diffusely amber brown wings. The legs have a red base but are mostly dark.

And the very sharp facial shot of the same dark Saropogon.

I think here we can see four long scutellar pale bristles. A character for S. dispar. This fine Larry shot also shows the dorsal thoracic markings perfectly.

And here the puzzler initially, also occurring in Larry's yard and surroundings. This definitely shows female genital terminus. Which is very different from the related Diogmites. I think we can also see scutellar bristles. And unless I learn otherwise this is the female dispar. We just need Larry to get a copulation shot.