The distribution and natural history of the gopher tortoise robber fly (Machimus polyphemi Bullington and Beck) (Diptera: Asilidae)

The gopher tortoise robber fly, Machimus polyphemi Bullington and Beck (Diptera: Asilidae), is one of 12 species of obligate invertebrate commensals that inhabit burrows excavated by the gopher tortoise (Go-pherus polyphemus Daudin), a medium-large terrestrial turtle native to the Coastal Plain of the southeastern United States. Described in 1991, the ecology and distribution of </I>M</I>. polyphemi remains poorly known. From 2019–2025, using a simple method we developed to flush flies from their resident burrows, we detected </I>M</I>. polyphemi at 43 sites in four states, including the first records for Alabama and South Carolina. These data, combined with historic records and community scientist website observations, show that </I>M</I>. polyphemi is more widely distributed than previously thought and essentially a longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) eco-system endemic. The majority of sites where </I>M</I>. polyphemi has been documented are sandhill communities, including grossly disturbed examples of this habitat type. We provide size data for adult </I>M</I>. polyphemi, sum-marize the species’ natural history, and discuss the conservation status of this fascinating insect.