Asilid
Guides
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.
Atomosia pusilla
Atomosia pusilla is a small species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Macquart in 1838. The genus Atomosia is characterized by species with reduced wing venation and typically small body size compared to other asilids. This species belongs to the subfamily Asilinae, one of the most diverse lineages of robber flies. Like other members of its family, it is a predatory fly that captures other insects in flight.
Beameromyia floridensis
Florida Pixie
Beameromyia floridensis is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Johnson in 1913. The common name "Florida Pixie" reflects its presumably small stature and Florida distribution. Like other Asilidae, it belongs to a predatory family of true flies. The genus Beameromyia was established by Wilcox and Martin in 1931 and is endemic to North America.
Blepharepium
Blepharepium is a genus of robber flies (Asilidae) established by Rondani in 1848, comprising approximately 15 described species. As members of the diverse predatory family Asilidae, these flies are aerial predators of other insects. The genus has been documented through 418 iNaturalist observations, though specific species-level details remain limited in publicly available sources.
Cophura tolandi
Cophura tolandi is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Wilcox in 1959. It belongs to the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae within the large and diverse asilid lineage. The genus Cophura contains multiple North American species, though specific natural history details for C. tolandi remain poorly documented. Like other robber flies, it is presumed to be a predatory insect.
Cyrtopogon anomalus
Cyrtopogon anomalus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Cole in 1919. The genus Cyrtopogon comprises predatory flies that typically hunt other insects in flight or from perches. This species belongs to a diverse group of asilids found across North America. Available information about this specific species is limited, with only 17 observations recorded on iNaturalist as of the knowledge cutoff.
Cyrtopogon bigelowi
Cyrtopogon bigelowi is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Charles Howard Curran in 1924. It belongs to a large genus of predatory flies distributed primarily in North America. Members of the genus Cyrtopogon are typically associated with open, sunny habitats where they perch on vegetation or bare ground to hunt. As with most asilids, this species is presumed to be an active aerial predator of other insects.
Cyrtopogon sansoni
Cyrtopogon sansoni is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Curran in 1923. The genus Cyrtopogon comprises medium-sized predatory flies typically found in arid and semi-arid regions of North America. Like other asilids, C. sansoni is presumed to be an active aerial predator of other insects. Specific details of its biology remain poorly documented in published literature.
Dicolonus medius
Dicolonus medius is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Adisoemarto and Wood in 1975. The genus Dicolonus belongs to a group of predatory flies characterized by their robust build and predatory habits. Like other asilids, this species is presumed to be an active aerial predator of other insects. Specific biological details for D. medius remain poorly documented in the accessible literature.
Dioctria vera
Dioctria vera is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Back in 1909. It belongs to the subfamily Dasypogoninae and is currently classified within the genus Dioctria. As a member of the robber flies, it is a predatory dipteran, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented in available literature.
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.
Efferia argyrosoma
Efferia argyrosoma is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Hine in 1911. The genus Efferia represents one of the most diverse and widespread groups of robber flies in North America, with species typically characterized by their predatory behavior and distinctive male genitalia. As a member of the subfamily Asilinae, E. argyrosoma shares the general robust body form and predatory habits typical of this group. The specific epithet 'argyrosoma' refers to the silvery or argent body coloration characteristic of this species.
Efferia aurimystacea
Efferia aurimystacea is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Hine in 1919. The genus Efferia comprises large, predatory flies distributed primarily in North America, with many species exhibiting distinctive sexual dimorphism including swollen male genital capsules. This species belongs to a group historically associated with the genus Triorla, though modern taxonomy generally treats Efferia as valid. Robber flies in this genus are aerial predators that capture other insects in flight.
Efferia completa
Rio Grande Hammertail
Efferia completa is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) known by the common name Rio Grande Hammertail. It belongs to the large and diverse genus Efferia, which comprises predatory flies distributed primarily in the Americas. The species was described by Macquart in 1838. Like other asilids, it is presumed to be an aerial predator of other insects.
Efferia peralta
Efferia peralta is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Wilcox in 1966. The genus Efferia belongs to the subfamily Asilinae, a group of large, predatory flies characterized by powerful flight and strong raptorial legs adapted for capturing other insects in flight. Species in this genus are primarily distributed in the Americas, with many occurring in arid and semi-arid regions. E. peralta is among the many Asilidae species whose biology remains poorly documented in the scientific literature.
Efferia tucsoni
Reddish Thorny Hammertail
Efferia tucsoni is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Wilcox in 1966. The common name 'Reddish Thorny Hammertail' refers to distinctive morphological features typical of the genus. Robber flies in the genus Efferia are predatory dipterans known for their aggressive hunting behavior and distinctive genital capsule morphology in males. The species is part of a large North American genus that has undergone taxonomic revision, with some former Efferia species now placed in related genera such as Triorla.
Eucyrtopogon albibarbus
Eucyrtopogon albibarbus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Curran in 1923. The genus Eucyrtopogon contains small to medium-sized predatory flies that can be confused with the related genus Comantella. Both genera share traits such as early spring and late fall adult activity, a humpbacked profile, and ground-perching behavior in open habitats.
Eucyrtopogon diversipilosis
Eucyrtopogon diversipilosis is a species of robber fly (Asilidae) described by Curran in 1923. The genus Eucyrtopogon contains small to medium-sized predatory flies that can be confused with the related genus Comantella, with which they share similar habitats and seasonal patterns. Very little specific information has been published regarding the biology or ecology of this particular species.
Asilidaerobber-flypredatorDipteraNorth-AmericaEucyrtopogoninsectflyCurran-1923diversipilosisdiverse-hairstibia-spurComantellaidentificationantennal-segmentshair-colorationsmall-to-mediumpredatorysimilar-generaconfusiontaxonomyrevision-neededseasonal-activityspringfallearlylateoverwinteringadultsgroundbare-soilopen-fieldshumpbackedprofilemarch-flyBibionidaeasilidmatingwolf-spiderPardosapreyspiderBritish-ColumbiaNevadaUtahIdahoCaliforniaColoradoNew-MexicoAlbertaFront-Rangeeastern-ColoradoColorado-SpringsPortaleseastern-New-Mexicowestern-North-Americachecklistrevisionterminal-stylethird-antennal-segmentmaneMohawkthoraxlegs10-15-mmprotected-placesoverwinterbiology-unknownsuspectedobservedCanningsColeDennisLavigneKnutsonBarnesHullJamesBarrStephensNelsonBug-EricFly-Day-FridayMarch-12November-29201120132017iNaturalistGBIFCatalogue-of-Lifeacceptedexact-match1-observationsparse-datainferred-contentconservativefactualclarityusefulnesscautious-languagehas-been-observedis-known-tonullunknownnot-clearly-supporteddo-not-inferdo-not-fabricatedo-not-repeatunique-contentnon-overlappingdirect-sentencesconcrete-statementshigh-level-overviewphysical-descriptiondistinguishenvironmentconditionsgeographic-rangetimingfeeding-habitsdevelopmental-stagesnotable-actionsecosystem-roleinteraction-with-humansmeaningfulimportant-additional-contextcleardirectavoid-fluffavoid-filleravoid-repeating-taxonomyavoid-technical-jargonconcretewell-supportedpartial-but-reliablestrictly-matchJSON-schemano-extra-fieldsno-commentaryentomology-guideaccurateinformativefactual-correctnesscompletenessverbosityspeculationjustifiedvague-generalizationslike-most-insectstypically-feeds-on-plantsbehaviorsdietlife-cycle-detailshost-relationshipshighmediumlowtruefalse3-5-sentencesonlyhow-to-distinguishmust-include-reasononly-if-meaningfulonly-for-important-additional-contextavoid-overly-technical-jargonHaplopogon dicksoni
Haplopogon dicksoni is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Wilcox in 1966. The genus Haplopogon is a small group within the subfamily Asilinae, characterized by reduced wing venation and specific genitalic structures. Species in this genus are poorly documented in published literature, with most information limited to original taxonomic descriptions.
Heteropogon macerinus
Heteropogon macerinus is a small robber fly in the family Asilidae, measuring approximately 10 mm in length. The species exhibits distinctive courtship behavior in which males hover before females and stroke their eyeballs with ornamented front tarsi. Adults are predatory, capturing other insects in flight and returning to perches to feed. The species frequents forest edges where it perches conspicuously on twig tips at eye level.
Holopogon mingusae
Holopogon mingusae is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Martin in 1959. It belongs to the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae and the genus Holopogon, a group of small to medium-sized predatory flies. The species was named in honor of Mingus, likely referencing a collector or individual associated with the type specimen. Like other robber flies, it is presumed to be an aerial predator of other insects.
Laphria gilva
Orange-patched Laphria
Laphria gilva is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Orange-patched Laphria. It is found in the Nearctic realm. The species has been documented mating on pine trees or stumps, with both sexes exhibiting polygamous behavior. As a member of the genus Laphria, it belongs to a group known for effective bumble bee mimicry, though specific mimetic characteristics for this species require further documentation.
Laphria milvina
A species of robber fly in the genus Laphria, notable for its bumble bee mimicry. Members of this genus are recognized for their effective resemblance to bumble bees, a form of Batesian mimicry that may provide protection from predators. The species was described by Bromley in 1929. Like other Laphria species, it is presumed to be an active aerial predator of other insects.
Laphria sicula
Dagger Laphria
Laphria sicula is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Dagger Laphria. The species was described by McAtee in 1919. Like other members of the genus Laphria, it is a predatory fly that exhibits bumble bee mimicry. It is part of a diverse genus of robber flies known for their effective mimicry of hymenopterans and their predatory habits.
Laphria winnemana
Laphria winnemana is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by McAtee in 1919. The genus Laphria is noted for species that are effective mimics of bumble bees (Bombus), a trait that distinguishes this group within the Asilidae. As a member of the robber flies, this species is presumed to be an active aerial predator. Specific ecological and behavioral details for L. winnemana remain poorly documented in published literature.
Laphystia
Laphystia is a genus of robber flies (family Asilidae) established by Loew in 1847. The genus contains at least 50 described species, with 56 species listed in current catalogs. Members are aerial predators within the order Diptera, though specific morphological and ecological traits distinguishing Laphystia from related asilid genera are not well documented in readily available sources.
Laphystia bromleyi
Laphystia bromleyi is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Wilcox in 1960. The genus Laphystia comprises small to medium-sized predatory flies distributed primarily in the New World. As a member of Asilidae, this species is presumed to be an aerial predator of other insects. Published records for this species are extremely limited, with minimal observational data available in public repositories.
Laphystia cazieri
Laphystia cazieri is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Wilcox in 1960. It belongs to the subfamily Laphriinae, a group characterized by their predatory habits and distinctive morphology. As with other robber flies, adults are aerial predators that capture and feed on other insects. The species epithet honors the entomologist Mont A. Cazier, who made significant contributions to the study of North American insects, particularly beetles.
Lasiopogon anaphlecter
Lasiopogon anaphlecter is a species of robber fly (Diptera: Asilidae) described by McKnight in 2020. It belongs to the bivittatus section of the genus Lasiopogon, a group of Nearctic asilid flies. The species was established based on integrated molecular phylogenetic analysis (COI, AATS, PEPCK, Wg loci) and morphological examination.
Lasiopogon chaetosus
Lasiopogon chaetosus is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Cole and Wilcox in 1938. The genus Lasiopogon comprises small to medium-sized predatory flies characterized by their bristly appearance and ground-perching hunting behavior. Species in this genus are typically found in open, sandy or rocky habitats. The specific epithet 'chaetosus' refers to the bristly or hairy condition of the body surface.
Lasiopogon terricola
Little Reddish Sandpirate
Lasiopogon terricola is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Little Reddish Sandpirate. The species was originally described as Daulopogon terricola by Johnson in 1900. It belongs to the subfamily Laphriinae and tribe Lasiopogonini. As with other robber flies, it is a predatory insect that hunts other arthropods.
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.
Proctacanthus micans
Proctacanthus micans is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. It belongs to a genus of large, predatory flies characterized by prominent facial beards and spiny abdomens. The genus name translates to 'spiny butt' in reference to this abdominal armature. Like other Proctacanthus species, it is presumed to be an active predator of other insects and to have a life cycle involving soil-dwelling larvae.
Promachus atrox
robber fly
Promachus atrox is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Bromley in 1940. Like other members of the genus Promachus, it belongs to the group commonly known as "giant robber flies." The species is part of a diverse genus of predatory flies known for their aggressive hunting behavior and large size relative to other asilids. Specific details about its biology and distribution remain limited in published sources.
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.
Psilocurus birdi
Psilocurus birdi is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Curran in 1931. As a member of this predatory fly family, it likely exhibits the characteristic hunting behavior of asilids, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented. The genus Psilocurus contains relatively small, slender robber flies compared to some of their more robust relatives.
Scleropogon floridensis
Scleropogon floridensis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Bromley in 1951. The genus Scleropogon comprises predatory flies characterized by their elongated bodies and distinctive leg morphology. This species is part of a group of asilids that inhabit sandy or scrub environments. As with other robber flies, it is presumed to be an aerial predator of other insects, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Stichopogon
Stichopogon is a genus of small robber flies (family Asilidae) in the subfamily Dasypogoninae, comprising at least 100 described species worldwide. These diminutive predatory flies are most diverse in arid and semi-arid regions, with strong representation in North America, the Neotropics, North Africa, and the Middle East. The genus is ecologically associated with open, barren habitats—particularly sandy, gravelly, or rocky substrates near water or in dry washes—where they perch low to the ground and ambush small arthropod prey.