Asilidae
Guides
Dicranus
Dicranus is a genus of robber flies in the family Asilidae, established by Hermann Loew in 1851. Members of this genus are predatory flies that capture other insects in flight. The genus is relatively small and poorly documented compared to other asilid genera, with limited published information on species-level diversity and biology.
Dicropaltum
Dicropaltum is a genus of robber flies established by Martin in 1975. The genus contains six described species distributed in the Americas. These predatory flies belong to the tribe Asilini within the subfamily Asilinae.
Dicropaltum humilis
Dicropaltum humilis is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Bellardi in 1861. As a member of this predatory fly family, it likely exhibits the characteristic hunting behavior of asilids, capturing other insects in flight. The genus Dicropaltum is recognized in robber fly taxonomy, though detailed species-level documentation appears limited in available sources.
Dicropaltum mesae
Dicropaltum mesae is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, originally described as Tolmerus mesae by Tucker in 1907. It belongs to the genus Dicropaltum, a group of predatory flies within the subfamily Asilinae. The species is documented through limited observation records, with 15 observations on iNaturalist. Robber flies in this genus are aerial predators that capture other insects in flight.
Dicropaltum rubicundus
Dicropaltum rubicundus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, a group of predatory flies known for their aggressive hunting behavior. The species was described by Hine in 1909. Robber flies in this family are characterized by their stout bodies, large eyes, and strong legs adapted for capturing prey in flight. Very few specific details about the biology or ecology of D. rubicundus have been documented in available sources.
Dioctria pleuralis
Dioctria pleuralis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Banks in 1917. The genus Dioctria belongs to the subfamily Stenopogoninae, a group characterized by small to medium-sized predatory flies. Species in this genus are among the more diminutive robber flies in North America.
Dioctria wilcoxi
Dioctria wilcoxi is a small robber fly (Diptera: Asilidae) described by Adisoemarto and Wood in 1975. It belongs to the genus Dioctria, a group of diminutive predatory flies within the subfamily Stenopogoninae. The species is currently treated as a synonym of Dioctria tenuis. Like other members of this genus, it is among the smallest North American robber flies, measuring approximately 6–8 mm in length. Species in this genus are morphologically similar to Cerotainia but can be distinguished by their shorter antennae and behavioral differences in perching habits.
Diogmites angustipennis
prairie robber fly
Diogmites angustipennis, commonly known as the prairie robber fly, is a widespread species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. It was first described by Loew in 1866 and has been subject to taxonomic revision, with three former species now synonymized with it. The species is known to prey on other insects, including adult wasps. It occurs across the south-central and southwestern United States.
Diogmites bilobatus
Diogmites bilobatus is a robber fly species (Diptera: Asilidae) described by Barnes in 2010 from museum specimens. It closely resembles the widespread D. angustipennis and occurs in the south-central and southwestern United States and northern Mexico. As a member of the genus Diogmites, it belongs to a group commonly known as 'hanging thieves' for their distinctive prey-handling behavior.
Diogmites coloradensis
A species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, Diogmites coloradensis belongs to the genus Diogmites, commonly known as 'hanging thieves' for their distinctive predatory behavior. The species was described by James in 1933 and is classified within the subfamily Dasypogoninae. Like other members of this genus, it is presumed to be an aerial predator of other insects.
Diogmites contortus
Diogmites contortus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Bromley in 1936. It belongs to the subfamily Dasypogoninae and the genus Diogmites, commonly known as the 'hanging thieves' for their distinctive prey-handling behavior. Members of this genus are notable among robber flies for their habit of suspending themselves from vegetation while manipulating captured prey.
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 herennius
hanging thief robber fly
Diogmites herennius is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as a 'hanging thief' for its distinctive habit of suspending from vegetation by its front legs while manipulating prey with the remaining legs. The species belongs to the subfamily Dasypogoninae and is one of approximately 26 species in the genus Diogmites, which occurs primarily in the New World tropics and subtropics. Members of this genus are characterized by their elongated bodies, long legs, and predatory behavior.
Diogmites misellus
Little Hanging Thief
Diogmites misellus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Little Hanging Thief. The genus Diogmites is notable for its distinctive hunting behavior: members are known as 'hanging thieves' due to their habit of suspending themselves from vegetation by their forelegs while manipulating prey with their remaining legs. This species was described by Loew in 1866.
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 perplexus
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 pritchardi
Pritchard's Hanging Thief
Diogmites pritchardi is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Bromley in 1936. The genus Diogmites, commonly known as "hanging thieves," is recognized for the distinctive behavior of members swinging from their front or middle legs while manipulating prey with the remaining legs. As with other Diogmites species, D. pritchardi is presumed to be an aerial predator of other insects.
Diogmites sallei
Diogmites sallei is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. Members of the genus Diogmites are known as "hanging thieves" for their distinctive behavior of swinging from their front or middle legs while manipulating prey with the remaining legs. The species was originally described as Dasypogon sallei by Bellardi in 1861. Robber flies in this genus are recognized for their large size and striking green eyes.
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.
Diogmites ternatus
Diogmites ternatus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, a group of predatory flies known for their aggressive hunting behavior and wasp-like appearance. The genus Diogmites includes species commonly referred to as 'hanging thieves' due to their characteristic behavior of suspending themselves from vegetation by their forelegs while feeding on captured prey. As with other members of the Dasypogoninae subfamily, D. ternatus likely exhibits the robust body form and strong predatory adaptations typical of this lineage.
Diogmites texanus
Diogmites texanus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Bromley in 1934. As a member of the genus Diogmites, it belongs to a group known for large size and striking appearance, often featuring vivid coloration or prominent green eyes. The species is poorly documented in available sources, with most information limited to taxonomic classification rather than detailed natural history.
Eccritosia
Eccritosia is a genus of robber flies in the family Asilidae, comprising approximately seven described species. The genus was established by Schiner in 1866. Species in this genus are noted for their vivid, aposematic or mimetic coloration, making them among the more visually striking robber flies. The genus occurs in the Americas, with species distributed across North, Central, and South America.
Eccritosia zamon
Eccritosia zamon is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. It is noted among robber flies for its vivid, aposematic or mimetic coloration, placing it among the most visually striking species in this charismatic family of predatory flies. The species was originally described as Proctacanthus zamon by Townsend in 1895 before being transferred to the genus Eccritosia.
Echthodopa carolinensis
Echthodopa carolinensis is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Bromley in 1951. It belongs to a genus of predatory flies that capture prey in flight. The species epithet 'carolinensis' suggests a connection to the Carolinas region of the United States, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented in available sources.
Echthodopa formosa
Echthodopa formosa is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Loew in 1872. Robber flies in this family are predatory insects known for their aggressive hunting behavior and diverse morphological adaptations. The genus Echthodopa is part of the diverse asilid fauna of North America. Available information about this specific species is limited beyond its taxonomic placement.
Efferia aestuans
Northeastern Hammertail
Efferia aestuans is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) native to eastern North America. It is one of the more commonly encountered members of the genus Efferia in its range. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in body size, with females larger than males. Originally described by Linnaeus in 1763 as Asilus aestuans, it has undergone several taxonomic revisions before its current placement in Efferia.
Efferia albibarbis
Sand Hammertail
Efferia albibarbis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, known as the Sand Hammertail. It belongs to the albibarbis-complex within the genus Efferia and is found in the Grand Canyon region of the southwestern United States. The species has been documented as a predator of tiger beetles, specifically Cicindela hirticollis and Habroscelimorpha dorsalis dorsalis.
Efferia antiochi
Efferia antiochi is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Wilcox in 1966. The genus Efferia comprises large, predatory flies in the subfamily Asilinae, characterized by their robust build, prominent compound eyes, and strong predatory behavior. Efferia antiochi is one of numerous species in this diverse genus, which is primarily distributed in arid and semi-arid regions of North America. Like other robber flies, adults are aerial predators that capture other insects in flight.
Efferia apache
Efferia apache is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Wilcox in 1966. The genus Efferia comprises predatory flies known for their aggressive hunting behavior. Records indicate this species has been observed in western Texas, specifically in juniper chaparral habitat at Gold Mine Canyon in Val Verde County. Adults have been collected at mercury-vapor lights, suggesting nocturnal or crepuscular activity patterns. The species name "apache" likely references the Apache peoples or geographic regions of the southwestern United States.
Efferia argentifrons
Silver-faced Hammertail
Efferia argentifrons is a robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Hine in 1911. The species is characterized by its distinctive silvery facial markings, as indicated by its specific epithet ('argentifrons' = silver-faced). It belongs to a large genus of predatory flies known for their robust build and aggressive hunting behavior. Field observations of this species are sparse, with only three documented observations on iNaturalist, suggesting it may be uncommon or underreported.
Efferia armata
Golden Club-legged Hammertail
Efferia armata is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Hine in 1918. The species is known by the common name Golden Club-legged Hammertail. Like other members of the genus Efferia, it is a predatory dipteran that hunts other insects. The genus Efferia comprises a large group of robber flies distributed primarily in the Americas, with many species exhibiting distinctive morphological features and habitat preferences.
Efferia azteci
Efferia azteci is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Wilcox in 1966. The genus Efferia belongs to a group of large, predatory flies commonly known as robber flies, which are characterized by their stout bodies, prominent compound eyes, and predatory behavior. This species is part of a diverse assemblage of Asilidae found in North America, with members of the genus often exhibiting distinctive sexual dimorphism in abdominal coloration patterns.
Efferia basini
Efferia basini is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Wilcox in 1966. As a member of the genus Efferia, it belongs to a diverse group of predatory flies found primarily in the Americas. Robber flies in this genus are known for their robust build, strong predatory capabilities, and distinctive morphological features. The specific epithet 'basini' honors an individual, following common practice in entomological nomenclature.
Efferia beameri
Efferia beameri is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Wilcox in 1966. As a member of the large genus Efferia, this species belongs to a diverse group of predatory flies found primarily in the Americas. The genus Efferia is one of the most species-rich genera of Asilidae, with many species exhibiting distinctive morphological features and ecological specializations. Specific details regarding the biology and distribution of E. beameri remain poorly documented in published literature.
Efferia belfragei
Efferia belfragei is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Hine in 1919. The genus Efferia comprises large, predatory flies that are among the most charismatic members of the family. Species in this group are characterized by their robust build, prominent mystax (beard of bristles), and predatory behavior. Efferia belfragei belongs to a genus that was historically treated broadly but has undergone significant taxonomic revision, with some former subgenera now recognized as distinct genera such as Triorla. The species is part of a diverse assemblage of robber flies in North America, particularly well-represented in the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Efferia bexarensis
Efferia bexarensis is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Bromley in 1934. The specific epithet 'bexarensis' indicates its type locality in Bexar County, Texas. As a member of the Efferia group of robber flies, it belongs to a diverse and widespread lineage of predatory dipterans known for their robust build and aggressive hunting behavior. The species is documented from Texas, though detailed biological information remains limited in published literature.
Efferia bicaudata
Great Plains Hammertail
Efferia bicaudata is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Great Plains Hammertail. The species was originally described as Erax bicaudatus by Hine in 1919 and later transferred to the genus Efferia. A 1964 study in the Annals of the Entomological Society of America examined its distribution, ethology, and egg morphology, representing one of the few detailed biological studies of this species. As a member of the Asilidae, it is a predatory fly that captures other insects in flight.
Efferia bicolor
Lesser Mesquite Hammertail
Efferia bicolor is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Lesser Mesquite Hammertail. It belongs to the genus Efferia, a large group of predatory flies found primarily in the Americas. The species was first described by Bellardi in 1861. Like other robber flies, it is an aerial predator that captures other insects in flight.
Efferia bryanti
Madera Canyon Hammertail
Efferia bryanti is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Wilcox in 1966. It is commonly known as the Madera Canyon Hammertail. The species belongs to the large and diverse genus Efferia, which contains numerous North American robber fly species. As with other Efferia species, E. bryanti is a predatory fly that likely hunts other insects.
Efferia cabeza
Efferia cabeza is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Wilcox in 1966. The genus Efferia belongs to a group of large, predatory flies commonly known as robber flies, which are characterized by their robust build, large eyes, and predatory behavior. Members of this genus are primarily distributed in the Americas. The species epithet "cabeza" (Spanish for "head") may allude to distinctive head morphology, though specific diagnostic features for this species remain poorly documented in accessible literature.
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.
Efferia candida
Efferia candida is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Coquillett in 1893. As a member of the genus Efferia, it belongs to one of the most species-rich genera of robber flies in North America. Robber flies in this genus are characterized by their robust build, large compound eyes, and predatory behavior. The species name "candida" (Latin for "white" or "shining") likely refers to some aspect of its pale or light-colored appearance, though specific diagnostic features distinguishing it from congeners require detailed examination.
Efferia canella
Sierritas Hammertail
Efferia canella is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Sierritas Hammertail. It belongs to the large and diverse genus Efferia, which contains numerous species distributed primarily across North and South America. Robber flies in this genus are predatory insects known for their robust build and agile flight capabilities. The specific epithet "canella" and common name "Sierritas Hammertail" suggest an association with the Sierritas Mountains region, though detailed ecological information for this particular species remains limited.
Efferia clementei
Efferia clementei is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Wilcox and Martin in 1945. The species belongs to the large genus Efferia, a group of predatory flies distributed primarily across the Americas. As with other robber flies, E. clementei is presumed to be an aerial predator of other insects, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented in published literature.
Efferia coquillettii
Efferia coquillettii is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) first described by Hine in 1919. The genus Efferia comprises medium to large-sized predatory flies found primarily in arid and semi-arid regions of North America. Members of this genus are characterized by their robust build, prominent mystax (facial bristles), and predatory behavior. Efferia species are often encountered at light traps and are active predators of other insects.
Efferia costalis
Crested Hammertail
Efferia costalis is a species of robber fly (Asilidae) described by Williston in 1885. The species is known by the common name "Crested Hammertail." As a member of the genus Efferia, it belongs to a diverse group of predatory flies commonly found in North America. The species has been documented through limited observations, with only 3 records reported on iNaturalist.
Efferia coulei
Northwestern Hammertail
Efferia coulei is a robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Wilcox in 1966. It occurs in the grasslands of southern British Columbia, Canada, particularly the Okanagan Valley, where it is sympatric with its closest relative Efferia okanagana. The two species are genetically distinct, with approximately 7.0% divergence in cytochrome oxidase I (COI) DNA barcode sequences. As a member of the Efferia arida species group, it shares morphological affinities with E. arida and E. pinali.