Aerial-hunter
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Blepharepium sonorensis
Sonora Hanging Thief
Blepharepium sonorensis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Sonora Hanging Thief. It was described by Papavero & Bernardi in 1973. The species belongs to the genus Blepharepium, which is characterized by distinctive predatory behaviors typical of robber flies. As with other Asilidae, this species is likely an aerial predator of other insects. Very few observations of this species have been recorded, with only 3 documented observations in iNaturalist as of the available data.
Diogmites neoternatus
Plain-tailed Hanging Thief
Diogmites neoternatus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Plain-tailed Hanging Thief. It is notable for its large size and striking green eyes, making it one of the most charismatic species among North American robber flies. The species exhibits the distinctive 'hanging thief' behavior characteristic of its genus: swinging from its forelegs while consuming prey. It belongs to the subfamily Dasypogoninae and is widely distributed across eastern North America.
Efferia triton
Triton Hammertail
Efferia triton is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Triton Hammertail. Like other robber flies, it is an aerial predator that captures prey in flight. The species belongs to the large and diverse genus Efferia, which contains numerous species across North America. Specific ecological details for E. triton remain limited in published sources.
Holcocephala fusca
Dusky Goggle Eye, Gnat Ogre
Holcocephala fusca is a small robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Dusky Goggle Eye or Gnat Ogre. The species is recognized by its distinctive enlarged compound eyes that occupy most of the head. It preys on small flying insects, particularly gnats and other tiny dipterans. The species was described by Bromley in 1951.
Leptogaster obscuripennis
Leptogaster obscuripennis is a species of robber fly described by Johnson in 1895. It belongs to the subfamily Leptogastrinae, characterized by slender, elongate bodies and distinctive predatory habits. The species name 'obscuripennis' refers to darkened wing coloration. Like other members of its genus, it is an aerial predator of small insects.
Machimus notatus
Black-thighed Bladetail
Machimus notatus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Black-thighed Bladetail. As a member of the predatory asilid flies, it hunts other insects in flight. The species has been documented in the northeastern United States, including Vermont.
Promachus bastardii
false bee-killer
Promachus bastardii, commonly known as the false bee-killer, is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. Like other members of the genus Promachus, it is a large, conspicuous predator that hunts flying insects. The species is part of the 'tiger-striped' group of Promachus species characterized by yellow and black abdominal patterning. It is widely distributed in eastern North America and frequently observed in open habitats such as glades and prairies.
Taracticus ruficaudus
Taracticus ruficaudus is a species of robber fly described by Charles Howard Curran in 1930. As a member of the family Asilidae, it is a predatory fly that hunts other insects in flight. The specific epithet ruficaudus refers to its reddish tail. The genus Taracticus comprises small to medium-sized robber flies found primarily in the Americas.