Laphria insignis
(Banks, 1917)
Remarkable Laphria
Laphria insignis is a of robber fly in the Asilidae, commonly known as the Remarkable Laphria. The species was originally described as Dasyllis insignis by Banks in 1917. Like other members of the Laphria, it is likely a mimic, a trait common among species in this genus. As a robber fly, it is an aerial that captures other insects in .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Laphria insignis: //ˈlæf.ri.ə ɪnˈsɪɡ.nɪs//
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Identification
Members of the Laphria are distinguished from the superficially similar -mimicking genus Mallophora by their thick (Mallophora has a thin terminal segment on the antennae). Laphria are generally less hairy than Mallophora. Specific identification of L. insignis would require examination of diagnostic characters not detailed in available sources.
Images
Similar Taxa
- MallophoraBoth are effective mimics with similar overall appearance, but Mallophora has a thin terminal antennal segment and is generally hairier than Laphria.
- Microstylum morosumBoth are large robber flies in the Asilidae, but M. morosum is substantially larger (35–50 mm vs. smaller size for Laphria), has large emerald , and a streamlined body almost devoid of setae, making it visually distinct from the hairier, -mimicking Laphria .
More Details
Taxonomic History
The was originally described by Banks in 1917 under the basionym Dasyllis insignis before being transferred to the Laphria.