Do mosquitoes have any redeeming qualities? What stops us from completely eradicating them from off the face of the earth? What good are mosquitoes?
Diptera
- David Bradt shares his experiences as an entomologist in the US Army.
- Spencer Doepel of Ecoflys talks about the black soldier fly, its life cycle, and how to rear it.
Guides
Lamprolonchaea
metallic-green tomato flies, lance flies
Lamprolonchaea is a genus of lance flies (Diptera: Lonchaeidae) characterized by bright metallic golden-green coloration. The genus includes at least 24 species in Australia, with Lamprolonchaea brouniana being the most economically significant as a pest of tomato fruit. Australian species are taxonomically poorly understood, with limited descriptions of immature stages and no prior molecular characterization. The genus appears to be restricted to Australia, with most records from temperate southern regions.
Laphria
bumblebee-mimic robber flies
Laphria is a genus of robber flies (Asilidae) established by Meigen in 1803. Species in this genus are notable for their effective mimicry of bumble bees, with hairy bodies and coloration patterns that closely resemble Bombus species. They are predatory as adults, capturing other insects in flight. The genus is distributed across North America and parts of Europe, with records from Scandinavia and the eastern United States.
Laphria aeatus
Laphria aeatus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Walker in 1849. As a member of the genus Laphria, it belongs to a group known for effective bumble bee mimicry. The genus is characterized by thick antennae that distinguish it from similar mimetic genera such as Mallophora.
Laphria affinus
Bee-like Robber Fly
Laphria affinus is a medium-sized robber fly in the family Asilidae, notable as one of several North American species that exhibit effective bumble bee mimicry. The species shares the genus with other bee-mimicking Laphria, distinguished by their dense pile and robust body form that closely resembles Bombus species. These flies are predatory as adults, capturing other insects in flight.
Laphria aimatis
Laphria aimatis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by McAtee in 1919. The genus Laphria includes species known for their effective mimicry of bumble bees (Bombus), with which they share similar coloration and hairiness. These flies are predatory as adults and are often observed perching on vegetation while hunting for prey. The specific epithet 'aimatis' appears to be derived from Greek, though its precise meaning in this context is not documented in available sources.
Laphria aktis
Laphria aktis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by McAtee in 1919. The genus Laphria includes species known for effective bumble bee mimicry, though specific documentation for L. aktis is limited. Observations of this species are sparse, with only 22 records documented in iNaturalist as of the available data.
Laphria apila
Laphria apila is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. It belongs to the genus Laphria, a group known for effective bumble bee mimicry. The species was described by Bromley in 1951. Like other robber flies, it is a predatory insect that captures prey in flight.
Laphria astur
Laphria astur is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, genus Laphria. Members of this genus are notable for their convincing mimicry of bumble bees and carpenter bees, which provides protection from predators and facilitates ambush predation on unsuspecting prey. Like other Laphria species, L. astur likely employs this mimicry to approach small flying beetles and other insects that would otherwise flee from an obvious predator. The genus name derives from Greek mythology, though specific etymology for the epithet 'astur' is not documented in available sources.
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 canis
Laphria canis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, a group of predatory flies known for their aggressive hunting behavior. The genus Laphria is notable for species that are effective mimics of bumble bees, a trait that provides protection from predators and aids in ambushing prey. As with other robber flies, L. canis is presumed to be an aerial predator that captures other insects in flight. Specific details about this species remain limited in the available literature.
Laphria carbonaria
Laphria champlainii
Laphria champlainii is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. It belongs to the genus Laphria, which includes several bumble bee-mimicking species known for their effective Batesian mimicry. The species was described by Walton in 1910. Like other Laphria species, it is presumed to be an active aerial predator, though specific behavioral and ecological details remain poorly documented.
Laphria cinerea
Laphria cinerea is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. Members of the genus Laphria are known for their effective mimicry of bumble bees. The species was described by Back in 1904. As with other asilids, it is presumed to be an active aerial predator, though specific behavioral observations for this species are limited.
Laphria columbica
Columbian Bee Killer
Laphria columbica is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Francis Walker in 1866. The genus Laphria is notable for species that are effective mimics of bumble bees, and L. columbica appears to follow this pattern. Robber flies in this genus are predatory and often observed perching on vegetation while hunting. The specific epithet "columbica" suggests a connection to the Columbia River region or British Columbia, though the exact etymology is not documented in available sources.
Laphria divisor
Black-waisted Laphria
Laphria divisor is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Black-waisted Laphria. The genus Laphria includes species known for effective bumble bee mimicry, with hairy bodies and thick antennae distinguishing them from similar genera. As a member of the Asilidae, this species is a predatory fly that likely hunts other insects. The specific epithet 'divisor' was established by Nathan Banks in 1917.
Laphria engelhardti
Laphria engelhardti is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. The genus Laphria is known for effective bumble bee mimicry, with species exhibiting hairy bodies and thick antennae that distinguish them from similar genera. This species was described by Bromley in 1931.
Laphria felis
Laphria felis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, found in western North America. It belongs to a genus known for effective bumble bee mimicry, with several species exhibiting dense hair patterns and coloration that closely resemble bumble bees. As with other robber flies, it is presumed to be an active aerial predator. The species was described by Osten Sacken in 1877.
Laphria fernaldi
Laphria fernaldi is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. The genus Laphria is known for effective bumble bee mimicry, with members resembling bees in both appearance and behavior to deceive predators and prey. This species was originally described as Dasyllis fernaldi by Back in 1904 before being transferred to Laphria. Like other robber flies, it is a predatory insect that captures other arthropods in flight.
Laphria ferox
Laphria ferox is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. It belongs to the genus Laphria, a group commonly known as 'bee-like robber flies' due to their resemblance to bumble bees. The species was described by Samuel Wendell Williston in 1883. As with other robber flies, it is presumed to be a predatory insect, though specific behavioral and ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Laphria grossa
giant laphria
Laphria grossa, commonly known as the giant laphria, is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. It belongs to a genus noted for effective bumble bee mimicry, with species in this group recognized as among the most realistic mimics of bumble bees. The species was originally described by Fabricius in 1775 under the basionym Asilus grossus.
Laphria huron
Huron Laphria
Laphria huron is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Bromley in 1929. As a member of the genus Laphria, it belongs to a group known for effective bumble bee mimicry, with several species exhibiting dense yellow and black setation that closely resembles Bombus species. Robber flies in this genus are predatory as adults and are often found in open habitats where they perch on vegetation to hunt passing insects. The specific epithet 'huron' likely references the Great Lakes region or Lake Huron, though the precise type locality and detailed natural history of this species remain poorly documented in available sources.
Laphria index
Laphria index is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by McAtee in 1919. The genus Laphria contains species known for effective bumble bee mimicry, though specific details for L. index remain limited in published literature. The species has been recorded in the northeastern United States.
Laphria insignis
Remarkable Laphria
Laphria insignis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Remarkable Laphria. The species was originally described as Dasyllis insignis by Banks in 1917. Like other members of the genus Laphria, it is likely a bumble bee mimic, a trait common among species in this genus. As a robber fly, it is an aerial predator that captures other insects in flight.
Laphria janus
Orange-tailed Laphria
Laphria janus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by McAtee in 1919. The species is recognized by its common name "Orange-tailed Laphria," referring to a distinctive coloration feature. Like other members of the genus Laphria, it exhibits bumble bee mimicry as a defensive adaptation. The species has been documented in the northeastern United States, particularly Vermont.
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 royalensis
A species of robber fly in the genus Laphria, known for effective bumble bee mimicry. As with other Laphria species, this taxon exhibits Batesian mimicry of bumble bees, with a hairy body and thick antennae distinguishing it from similar mimics in the genus Mallophora. The species belongs to a group of predatory flies that hunt other insects in flight.
Laphria sacrator
Bee-mimic robberfly, Yellow-waisted Laphria
Laphria sacrator is a robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Bee-mimic robberfly or Yellow-waisted Laphria. The species exhibits bumble bee mimicry, with yellow hairs on the mystax, thorax, and portions of the abdomen. It belongs to a genus renowned for producing highly convincing bee mimics that deceive both predators and prey.
Laphria sadales
Red-legged Laphria
Laphria sadales is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Red-legged Laphria. It belongs to a genus noted for effective bumble bee mimicry, with several species resembling bees in appearance and behavior. The species has been documented in the northeastern United States, including Vermont. Like other robber flies, it is presumed to be an aerial predator, though specific behavioral and ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Laphria scorpio
Scorpion Laphria
A species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by McAtee in 1919. Little is documented about this specific species beyond its taxonomic placement. The genus Laphria includes species known for effective mimicry of bumble bees and other hymenopterans.
Laphria trux
Laphria trux is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by McAtee in 1919. As a member of the genus Laphria, it belongs to a group known for effective bumble bee mimicry. Robber flies in this family are predatory insects that capture other insects in flight. Specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented in available sources.
Laphria ventralis
Laphria ventralis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Williston in 1885. The genus Laphria contains species known for their effective mimicry of bumble bees, though specific details about L. ventralis itself remain sparse in the literature. As with other robber flies, it is presumed to be an aerial predator. The species has been documented in at least 23 observations on iNaturalist, indicating it is encountered with some regularity by naturalists, though published biological studies appear limited.
Laphria vivax
Laphria vivax is a species of robber fly (Asilidae) described by Williston in 1883. As a member of the genus Laphria, it belongs to a group known for effective bumble bee mimicry, though specific details distinguishing L. vivax from congeners are limited in available sources. The species is accepted in current taxonomy but appears to be less documented than some other Laphria species.
Laphriinae
robber flies
Laphriinae is a subfamily of robber flies (family Asilidae) containing over 110 genera and 1,000 described species. Adults are predatory, with many species exhibiting mimicry of bees and wasps. The subfamily is notable for its larval ecology: all species have larvae that prey on wood-boring beetle larvae, primarily in families Buprestidae and Cerambycidae. Some species have specialized host relationships, such as Hyperechia larvae developing within cells of Xylocopa carpenter bees.
Laphystia canadensis
Laphystia canadensis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Curran in 1927. As a member of this predatory fly family, it likely exhibits the characteristic hunting behavior of asilids, ambushing prey from a perch. The species epithet 'canadensis' indicates a North American distribution, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Laphystia confusa
Laphystia confusa is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Curran in 1927. As a member of this predatory fly family, it belongs to a group known for aerial hunting behavior and distinctive physical adaptations for capturing prey. The species is accepted in current taxonomy and is classified within the genus Laphystia.
Laphystia jamesi
Laphystia jamesi is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Wilcox in 1960. It belongs to the genus Laphystia, a group of predatory flies within the order Diptera. As with other Asilidae, this species is presumed to be an aerial predator of other insects, though specific ecological details remain undocumented in available sources.
Laphystia laguna
A species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Wilcox in 1960. The specific epithet "laguna" suggests a potential association with lake or wetland habitats, though direct ecological observations remain limited. As with other Asilidae, it is predatory as an adult. Available occurrence records are sparse, with only four observations documented in iNaturalist.
Laphystia litoralis
Beach Robber Fly
Laphystia litoralis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Beach Robber Fly. It was described by Curran in 1931. As a member of the Asilidae family, it is a predatory dipteran that captures other insects in flight. The species epithet 'litoralis' suggests an association with coastal or shore habitats.
Laphystia martini
Laphystia martini is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Wilcox in 1960. Robber flies are predatory dipterans known for their aggressive hunting behavior and aerial capture of prey. The genus Laphystia is part of the diverse Asilidae family, which contains approximately 7,000 described species worldwide. Specific ecological and behavioral details for L. martini remain poorly documented in published literature.
Laphystia rubra
Laphystia rubra is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Hull in 1957. As a member of the subfamily Laphriinae, it belongs to a group of predatory flies known for their robust build and aggressive hunting behavior. The specific epithet "rubra" (Latin for "red") suggests reddish coloration, though detailed species-level descriptions are limited in available sources. Robber flies in this genus are typically associated with woodland and forest edge habitats where they perch and ambush flying insect prey.
Laphystia rufiventris
Laphystia rufiventris is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Charles Howard Curran in 1931. The specific epithet "rufiventris" refers to the reddish coloration of the abdomen. The genus Laphystia belongs to the subfamily Laphriinae, a group of robber flies characterized by their predatory habits and distinctive morphological features. As with other asilids, this species is presumed to be an active aerial predator of other insects.
Laphystia utahensis
Laphystia utahensis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Wilcox in 1960. The genus Laphystia belongs to the diverse asilid fauna of North America, with this species distinguished by its specific epithet referencing the state of Utah. Robber flies in this genus are predatory insects that capture other arthropods in flight.
Lapposyrphus
Lapposyrphus is a genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) established by Dušek & Láska in 1967. The genus was historically treated as part of Eupeodes, from which it was later separated based on morphological distinctions. It contains two species: L. lapponicus and L. abberrantis. Members are found in northern and boreal regions of Europe.
Larsia
Larsia is a genus of non-biting midges in the bloodworm family Chironomidae, established by Fittkau in 1962. It belongs to the subfamily Tanypodinae and tribe Pentaneurini. The genus contains at least three described species, including L. atrocincta, L. angusticornis, and L. curticalcar. Like other chironomid midges, adults do not feed and lack functional mouthparts.
Lasiopagon pacificus
Pacific Sandpirate
Lasiopogon pacificus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Pacific Sandpirate. It was described by Cole and Wilcox in 1938. The species belongs to a genus of predatory flies that inhabit sandy environments. As with other Asilidae, it is presumed to be an active aerial predator of other insects. Available records indicate limited observation data, with approximately 20 documented sightings on iNaturalist.
Lasiopogon aldrichii
Lasiopogon aldrichii is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Melander in 1923. It belongs to the genus Lasiopogon, a group of small to medium-sized predatory flies known for their bristly faces and ground-perching hunting behavior. The species is documented from western North America.
Lasiopogon apache
Lasiopogon apache is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Cannings in 2002. The genus Lasiopogon comprises small to medium-sized predatory flies commonly found in open, sunny habitats. As a member of the Asilidae family, this species is an aerial predator that captures other insects in flight. Very little specific information has been published about this particular species beyond its taxonomic description.
Lasiopogon bivittatus
Lasiopogon bivittatus is a species of robber fly (Diptera: Asilidae) in the bivittatus section of the genus Lasiopogon. The species was described by Loew in 1866 and has been the subject of cytological studies examining spermatogenesis. Recent taxonomic revision of the bivittatus section included redescription of this species and molecular phylogenetic analysis placing it within a clade of western Nearctic Lasiopogon species.
Lasiopogon canningsi
Cannings' Sandpirate
Lasiopogon canningsi is a species of robber fly (Diptera: Asilidae) described in 2020 as part of a taxonomic revision of the bivittatus section of Nearctic Lasiopogon. The species is named in honor of entomologist Robert A. Cannings. As a member of the Asilidae family, it is a predatory fly, though specific ecological details remain undocumented in accessible literature.
Lasiopogon cinereus
Ashy Sandpirate
Lasiopogon cinereus is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Cole in 1919. It is commonly known as the Ashy Sandpirate. Like other robber flies, it is a predatory insect belonging to the order Diptera. The species epithet 'cinereus' refers to its ash-gray coloration.