Aerial-predator
Guides
Aeshna constricta
Lance-tipped Darner
Aeshna constricta, commonly known as the Lance-tipped Darner, is a large dragonfly species in the family Aeshnidae. It is distributed across North America and holds a conservation status of Least Concern with a stable population. The species is one of approximately 30 species in the diverse genus Aeshna, which are among the largest and most powerful fliers in the dragonfly order.
Aeshnidae
darners, hawkers, aeshnids
Aeshnidae is a family of large dragonflies known as darners in North America and hawkers elsewhere. The family includes some of the largest and fastest-flying dragonflies in the order Odonata, with over 450 species in more than 50 genera distributed nearly worldwide. Members are characterized by their powerful flight, elongated abdomens, and large compound eyes that meet at the top of the head. The family name derives from the Greek 'Aechma' meaning 'spear', though the spelling resulted from a printer's error.
Anax junius
Common Green Darner, Green Darner
Anax junius, the common green darner, is among the most abundant and widespread dragonflies in North America, ranging from Canada to Panama and with populations in the Caribbean, Tahiti, and Asia. This large aeshnid is renowned for its extensive seasonal migrations, with individuals traveling up to 2,800 km between northern breeding grounds and southern overwintering areas. The species exhibits complex population dynamics, with both migratory and resident cohorts coexisting at many locations. Adults are powerful aerial predators, while aquatic nymphs are similarly voracious, making this species a significant component of both terrestrial and aquatic food webs.
Anax longipes
Comet Darner
Anax longipes, commonly known as the Comet Darner, is a dragonfly species in the family Aeshnidae. It is a common North American species with a distinctive appearance and migratory behavior. Adults are large, powerful fliers that prey on other insects in flight. The species is part of the Migratory Dragonfly Partnership monitoring program due to its seasonal movements.
Argia
Dancers
Argia is the largest and most diverse genus in the damselfly subfamily Argiinae, comprising approximately 114 described species with additional species awaiting description. Members are commonly known as "dancers" due to their characteristic jerky, erratic flight pattern. The genus is restricted to the Western Hemisphere, with species ranging from North America through Central and South America and the Caribbean. Despite the genus name deriving from Greek for "laziness," these damselflies are notably active and alert predators. The genus has been subject to extensive taxonomic revision, with multiple revisions published between 1994 and 2022.
Argia translata
Dusky Dancer
Argia translata, commonly known as the Dusky Dancer, is a damselfly species in the family Coenagrionidae. It is native to eastern and southern North America and has also been documented in parts of Central and South America. The species is relatively well-observed, with over 11,000 records on iNaturalist, suggesting it is not uncommon in suitable habitats. As with other members of the genus Argia, it is associated with freshwater environments where it completes its aquatic larval development before emerging as a flying adult.
Asilus sericeus
Butterflyhunter
Asilus sericeus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. The larvae measure 18–20 mm in length and live underground. Adults are aerial predators that capture prey in flight. Unlike some other members of the family, they have not been reported feeding on bees or wasps.
Cyrtopogon alleni
Showy Bandit
Cyrtopogon alleni is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Back in 1909. It is one of numerous species within the diverse genus Cyrtopogon, which comprises small to medium-sized predatory flies found primarily in North America. The species has been documented through citizen science observations and appears to be an active aerial predator.
Cyrtopogon semitarius
Cyrtopogon semitarius is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Melander in 1923. Like other members of its genus, it belongs to a diverse group of predatory flies known for their aggressive hunting behavior. The species is part of the large Cyrtopogon genus, which contains numerous similar-looking species that can be challenging to distinguish without close examination. Specific ecological details for this particular species remain poorly documented in available literature.
Dicolonus simplex
Dicolonus simplex is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Loew in 1866. As a member of the Diptera order, it possesses a single pair of functional wings with the hindwings reduced to halteres. Robber flies in the genus Dicolonus are aerial predators that capture other insects in flight.
Diogmites esuriens
Short-striped Hanging Thief
Diogmites esuriens is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Short-striped Hanging Thief. The genus Diogmites is notable for the distinctive 'hanging' behavior of its members, which often dangle from their front or middle legs while manipulating prey with the remaining legs. This species was described by Bromley in 1936 and belongs to the subfamily Dasypogoninae.
Diogmites fragilis
Diogmites fragilis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, subfamily Dasypogoninae. It belongs to a genus commonly known as "hanging thieves" for their distinctive behavior of suspending from vegetation while manipulating prey. The species was described by Bromley in 1936. Like other members of Diogmites, it is presumed to be an aerial predator of other insects, though specific behavioral observations for this species are not documented in the provided sources.
Diogmites missouriensis
Diogmites missouriensis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Bromley in 1951. Robber flies in this genus are known for their distinctive hanging behavior, often perching with their forelegs raised and body suspended from vegetation. The specific epithet missouriensis indicates a connection to the state of Missouri, though the exact geographic implications of this naming are not documented in available sources. As with other Asilidae, this species is presumed to be an active aerial predator.
Diogmites platypterus
Black Hanging Thief
Diogmites platypterus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Black Hanging Thief. Like other members of the genus Diogmites, it is known for its distinctive hunting behavior of swinging from its front or middle legs while manipulating prey with the remaining legs. The species is part of a diverse group of predatory flies that are important components of insect communities across North America.
Diogmites properans
Diogmites properans is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, subfamily Dasypogoninae. The genus Diogmites comprises approximately 26 species distributed primarily in the Americas. Members of this genus are commonly known as "hanging thieves" due to their distinctive behavior of suspending from vegetation by their front legs while manipulating prey with the remaining legs.
Diogmites salutans
Hanging Thief
Diogmites salutans is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, characterized by its distinctive 'hanging thief' behavior where it suspends itself by its front legs while manipulating prey with the remaining legs. The species was described by Bromley in 1936 and belongs to the subfamily Dasypogoninae. Like other members of the genus Diogmites, it is an aerial predator of other insects.
Efferia caliente
Caliente Hammertail
Efferia caliente is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Wilcox in 1966. The common name "Caliente Hammertail" references the Caliente Range in California, where the species was presumably first collected or is known to occur. Robber flies in the genus Efferia are predatory insects known for their robust build and predatory habits. As with other Asilidae, adults are aerial predators that capture other insects in flight.
Efferia cana
Efferia cana is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Hine in 1916. The genus Efferia belongs to a group of large, predatory flies commonly known as robber flies or assassin flies. Members of this genus are characterized by their robust build, prominent compound eyes, and predatory behavior. Efferia cana is part of a diverse assemblage of Asilidae species found in North America, where these flies occupy important roles as aerial predators in various terrestrial habitats.
Hagenius brevistylus
Dragonhunter, Black Dragon
Hagenius brevistylus, commonly known as the dragonhunter, is a large, distinctive clubtail dragonfly (family Gomphidae) native to eastern North America. Adults are notable aerial predators with a documented propensity for hunting other Odonata, including other dragonflies and damselflies. The species has been observed using postural adjustments for behavioral thermoregulation. Larvae develop in aquatic habitats and possess specialized adaptations for predation.
Heteropogon maculinervis
Heteropogon maculinervis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by James in 1937. The genus Heteropogon comprises small to medium-sized predatory flies known for their distinctive courtship behaviors. As with other asilids, adults are aerial predators that capture other insects in flight. The species name 'maculinervis' refers to spotted or marked wing veins.
Lampria
Lampria is a genus of robber flies in the family Asilidae, established by Macquart in 1838. The genus contains at least 20 described species. Robber flies in this genus are aerial predators that capture other insects in flight. Members of this genus are found in the Americas, particularly in Neotropical regions.
Laphria asturina
Laphria asturina is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae), a group of predatory dipterans known for their aggressive hunting behavior. The species was originally described as Bombomima asturina before being transferred to Laphria. Like other members of the genus Laphria, it is likely a bumble bee mimic, though specific documentation of this trait for L. asturina is limited. Robber flies in this genus are notable for their convincing mimicry of hymenopterans, which may provide protection from predators.
Laphria flavicollis
Black-tailed Laphria
Laphria flavicollis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. It is recognized as a bumble bee mimic, using its appearance to deceive both predators and prey. The species has been documented in deciduous woodland habitats and is known to occur in the eastern United States. It belongs to a genus noted for particularly effective mimicry of bumble bees.
Laphria posticata
Boreal Laphria
Laphria posticata is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Boreal Laphria. The genus Laphria includes species known for effective bumble bee mimicry, with Laphria posticata occurring in northern regions of North America. Robber flies in this genus are aerial predators that capture prey in flight.
Laphria unicolor
Laphria unicolor is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. The genus Laphria is known for species that are effective mimics of bumble bees, a trait shared with the unrelated genus Mallophora. Robber flies in this genus use their mimicry to deceive both predators and prey.
Leptogaster flavipes
Yellow-legged Pixie
Leptogaster flavipes is a small robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Yellow-legged Pixie. The species is distinguished by its notably slender body form and pale yellow legs, traits that set it apart from the generally more robust build typical of most robber flies. As a member of the genus Leptogaster, it exhibits the characteristic delicate morphology associated with this group of aerial predators. The species was described by Loew in 1862.
Lestomyia
Lestomyia is a genus of robber flies (family Asilidae) in the subfamily Dasypogoninae, established by Williston in 1883. The genus contains approximately six described species distributed in North America. Members of this genus are predatory flies that hunt other insects in flight.
Nannocyrtopogon
Nannocyrtopogon is a genus of robber flies (family Asilidae) comprising at least 20 described species. Members of this genus are aerial predators that capture other insects in flight. The genus was established by Wilcox and Martin in 1936 and is classified within the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae and tribe Ceraturgini. These flies are found in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions.
Nevadasilus auriannulatus
Nevadasilus auriannulatus is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) first described by Hine in 1906. It is one of only two recognized species in the genus Nevadasilus, a small genus endemic to western North America. The species has been documented through 143 iNaturalist observations, indicating moderate but growing awareness among naturalists. As a member of the Asilidae, it is presumed to be an aerial predator of other insects, though specific ecological studies on this species remain limited.
Nevadasilus blantoni
Nevadasilus blantoni is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) in the genus Nevadasilus. It is a predatory dipteran endemic to the western United States, specifically associated with Nevada and surrounding arid regions. The species is named in honor of entomologist John Blanton. As with other Asilidae, it is presumed to be an aerial predator of other insects, though detailed studies of its biology remain limited.
Pachydiplax longipennis
Blue Dasher
The Blue Dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis) is a common and widely distributed dragonfly in the skimmer family Libellulidae. It is the sole species in its genus. Adults are characterized by a blue pruinose abdomen, particularly in males, and are known as "perchers" that hunt from stationary positions. Males exhibit pronounced territorial behavior at breeding and feeding sites, with social dominance hierarchies influencing dispersal patterns. The species occurs throughout North America and into the Caribbean.
Plathemis subornata
Desert Whitetail
Plathemis subornata, commonly known as the Desert Whitetail, is a dragonfly species in the family Libellulidae. It is native to arid regions of western North America, where it frequents ponds, streams, and other water bodies in desert and semi-desert habitats. The species is often placed in the genus Libellula by some authorities. Adults are active during warmer months and are frequently observed perching on rocks or vegetation near water.
Promachus painteri
Promachus painteri is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Bromley in 1934. It belongs to the genus Promachus, commonly known as "giant robber flies," which are conspicuous aerial predators. The species is part of the diverse Asilidae family, whose members are known for their predatory behavior on other insects. Specific details about P. painteri's biology and distribution remain limited in published sources.
Promachus sackeni
Promachus sackeni is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. The genus Promachus comprises large, conspicuous predatory flies commonly known as 'giant robber flies.' Like other members of this genus, P. sackeni is a formidable aerial predator capable of capturing substantial flying prey. The species was described by Hine in 1911.
Promachus vertebratus
Promachus vertebratus is a robber fly in the family Asilidae, one of three "tiger-striped" Promachus species in eastern North America characterized by yellow and black abdominal striping. It is distinguished from the more southern P. hinei and more southeastern P. rufipes by specific leg and abdominal coloration patterns. Like other Promachus species, it is a large, conspicuous aerial predator of other insects.
Saropogon senex
Saropogon senex is a species of assassin fly (family Asilidae) described by Osten Sacken in 1887. As a member of the genus Saropogon, it belongs to the tribe Saropogonini within the subfamily Dasypogoninae. The genus Saropogon is part of a taxonomic group that has been subject to recent revisionary work for the Nearctic fauna north of Mexico. Assassin flies in this genus, like other Asilidae, function as aerial predators of other arthropods.
Stenopogoninae
robber flies
Stenopogoninae is a subfamily of robber flies (Asilidae) containing more than 70 genera and approximately 740 described species. Members are predatory dipterans found across diverse habitats worldwide. The subfamily includes notably small species such as those in the genus Eudioctria (6–8 mm), as well as larger forms. Many species exhibit characteristic perching behaviors on vegetation and are active predators of other insects.
Tramea carolina
Carolina Saddlebags
Tramea carolina, commonly known as the Carolina saddlebags, is a dragonfly species native to eastern North America. Adults are recognized by their distinctive wing markings and colored abdominal segments. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in coloration, with males displaying brighter red tones. It occupies a range of aquatic habitats and has been observed year-round in southern portions of its range.