Laphria divisor
(Banks, 1917)
Black-waisted Laphria
Laphria divisor is a of robber fly in the Asilidae, commonly known as the Black-waisted Laphria. The Laphria includes species known for effective mimicry, with hairy bodies and thick distinguishing them from similar genera. As a member of the Asilidae, this species is a predatory fly that likely hunts other insects. The specific epithet 'divisor' was established by Nathan Banks in 1917.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Laphria divisor: //ˈlæf.ri.ə dɪˈvaɪ.zɔr//
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Identification
Laphria are distinguished from similar -mimicking robber flies in the Mallophora by their thick (Mallophora has a thin terminal segment on the antennae). Laphria species are also generally hairier than Mallophora. The 'Black-waisted Laphria' suggests a dark constriction at the waist, though specific diagnostic features for L. divisor require direct examination.
Images
Similar Taxa
- MallophoraAlso contains -mimicking robber flies, but distinguished by thin terminal antennal segment and generally less hairy body
- PromachusLarge robber fly with giant , but lacks mimicry and has different body proportions