Efferia-group
Guides
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 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 duncani
Efferia duncani is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Wilcox in 1966. The genus Efferia comprises large, predatory flies that are morphologically similar to the related genus Triorla. Robber flies in this group are characterized by their robust build, large eyes, and predatory behavior. Specific ecological details for E. duncani remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Efferia frewingi
Columbia River Hammertail
Efferia frewingi is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Wilcox in 1966. Based on the genus Efferia, it belongs to a diverse group of predatory flies known for their robust bodies, large eyes, and aerial hunting behavior. The species epithet "frewingi" honors an individual, following the patronymic naming convention common in entomology. The common name "Columbia River Hammertail" suggests an association with the Columbia River region, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented in accessible literature.
Efferia mesquite
Mesquite robber fly
Efferia mesquite is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Bromley in 1951. The species epithet "mesquite" suggests an association with mesquite trees (Prosopis spp.), which serve as perching and hunting substrates for adults. Like other Efferia species, it is a predatory fly that captures other insects in flight. The genus Efferia is part of a complex of robber flies formerly grouped under Efferia but now split into several genera including Efferia sensu stricto and Triorla.
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.
Triorla interrupta
Triorla interrupta is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. It is the only North American species in the genus Triorla, with a second species occurring from Panama to Argentina. The species is considered the most common robber fly in Arkansas and is widely distributed across eastern North America.