A survey of grassland Asilidae (Diptera) at Jacana Eco Estate, Hilton, South Africa Author Londt, Jason G. H. KwaZulu-Natal Museum, P. Bag 9070, Pietermaritzburg, 3200, South Africa & School of Biological & Conservation Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa londtja@telkomsa.net text African Invertebrates 2020 61 1 29 48 http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/AfrInvertebr.61.50895 journal article http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/AfrInvertebr.61.50895 2305-2562-1-29 4B0D39243E014D3A9EDCF6CBA335159F 1CCA7F4D3CB555A98C0DA976F578DA16 16. Dysclytus firmatus (Walker, 1857) Fig. 8 Remarks. Dysclytus Loew, 1858, is currently monotypic, with firmatus being considered the only valid species. In his handling of the genus, Londt (1979) records the species from only two relatively small areas, one in KwaZulu-Natal Province (Durban, Isipingo and Tongaat) and the other in eastern Mpumalanga Province (Ngondwana (= Ngodwana), Kaapsehoop, Waterval Onder and Elandshoek). Although a few more recently collected specimens are to be found in the KwaZulu-Natal Museum's collection, none have previously been collected in the Hilton or Pietermaritzburg area. Adults of this species had a relatively short period of activity in summer, being encountered in fair numbers in weeks 46-48, while a single specimen was collected in week 49. The species was invariably encountered in the lower field. This fairly large and distinctive species was almost invariably seen flying over or between grass clumps and coming to rest on vegetation. While none were encountered mating, one female was collected with prey, a small cicada ( Cicadidae ). The species appears to be largely confined to Londt's (1994) ecological category 4b (grass tips). The female's laterally compressed ovipositor suggests oviposition in grass.