Predatory-flies
Guides
Ablautus
Prospectors
Ablautus is a genus of small robber flies (family Asilidae) containing approximately 14 described species. Adults measure 6–7 millimeters and inhabit arid regions of western and southwestern North America, particularly sandy areas within sagebrush communities. The genus exhibits notable mimicry relationships, with Ablautus mimus known to mimic Lestomyia sabulonum. Species were described primarily by J. Wilcox during 1935–1966, with the genus first established by Loew in 1866.
Americina
Americina is a genus of dung flies in the family Scathophagidae, established by Malloch in 1923. The genus belongs to the subfamily Delininae and contains at least one described species, A. adusta. Scathophagidae, commonly known as dung flies, are predatory or coprophagous flies often associated with vertebrate dung.
Asilinae
bearded robber flies, giant robber flies
Asilinae is a large subfamily of robber flies (Asilidae) comprising over 180 genera. Members are commonly referred to as "bearded" or "giant" robber flies depending on genus. The subfamily includes diverse Neotropical taxa and is characterized by specific wing venation and scutellar morphology. Many species remain poorly known biologically despite intensive taxonomic work on the group.
Atoniomyia
Atoniomyia is a genus of robber flies (family Asilidae) established by Hermann in 1912. The genus comprises approximately 14 described species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. As members of the Asilidae, these flies are predatory in both adult and larval stages. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with Catalogue of Life listing it as a synonym of Atonia, though other sources maintain it as a valid genus.
Bicellariini
Bicellariini is a tribe of small predatory flies within the family Hybotidae, subfamily Hybotinae. The tribe contains three recognized genera: Bicellaria, Hoplocyrtoma, and Leptocyrtoma. These flies are part of the diverse hybotid radiation, a group characterized by agile flight and predatory habits. Members of this tribe are found across multiple continents, with observations spanning North America, Europe, and Asia.
Bromleyus
Bromleyus is a genus of robber flies (family Asilidae) established by Hardy in 1944 or 1945. As a member of the diverse Asilidae family, species in this genus are predatory flies. The genus is recognized in major taxonomic databases but appears to be poorly known, with no species-level records in GBIF or observations in iNaturalist.
Callinicus
Callinicus is a genus of robber flies (family Asilidae) established by Loew in 1872. The genus contains approximately five described species. Asilidae are predatory flies known for their robust build and aggressive hunting behavior.
Ceratempis longicornis
Ceratempis longicornis is a species of dance fly in the family Brachystomatidae, described by Melander in 1928. It belongs to the subfamily Trichopezinae, a group of small predatory flies commonly found in moist woodland habitats. As a member of the Diptera order, it undergoes complete metamorphosis with egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages.
Chaetosa
Chaetosa is a genus of small to medium-sized predatory flies in the family Scathophagidae, established by Coquillett in 1898. The genus comprises at least two described species: Chaetosa punctipes (Meigen, 1826) and Chaetosa churchilli Malloch, 1931. These flies are distributed across parts of northern Europe, with records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Chersodromia parallela
Chersodromia parallela is a species of hybotid dance fly in the family Hybotidae, originally described by Melander in 1928. The species is known from the United States. Hybotid flies are generally predatory and are commonly referred to as dance flies due to their characteristic swarming behavior.
Chromolepida
stiletto flies
Chromolepida is a genus of stiletto flies (family Therevidae) established by Cole in 1923. The genus contains five described species distributed in North America, with most species described from Mexico and the southwestern United States. Stiletto flies in this genus share the family characteristics of slender bodies and elongated mouthparts adapted for predatory feeding. The genus name refers to coloration of the scales or body covering.
Condylostylus
long-legged flies
Condylostylus is a large genus of predatory flies in the family Dolichopodidae, comprising over 250 species and representing the second largest genus in the subfamily Sciapodinae. The genus exhibits exceptional diversity in the Neotropical realm, where approximately 70% of species occur. Members are small to medium-sized dolichopodids, typically displaying metallic coloration and characteristic long-legged morphology. The genus includes species with documented potential as biological control agents in agricultural settings.
Cophura
Cophura is a genus of robber flies in the family Asilidae, established by Osten Sacken in 1887. The genus comprises at least 50 described species, with 54 species currently recognized. These predatory flies are part of the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae.
Cordilura confusa
Cordilura confusa is a species of dung fly in the family Scathophagidae, described by Loew in 1863. The genus Cordilura comprises flies commonly associated with wetland and riparian habitats. As with other members of Scathophagidae, adults are predatory. The species name "confusa" suggests historical taxonomic uncertainty, though specific details about the nature of this confusion are not documented in available sources.
Cyclotelus
Cyclotelus is a genus of stiletto flies in the family Therevidae, established by Francis Walker in 1850. The genus contains more than 20 described species, with 29 species currently recognized. Stiletto flies in this genus share the characteristic elongated, slender body form typical of the family. The genus is part of the diverse asilomorphan radiation of predatory flies.
Dolichopodidae
long-legged flies, longlegged flies
Dolichopodidae, the long-legged flies, is a large cosmopolitan family of true flies (Diptera) comprising over 8,000 described species in approximately 250 genera. Members are typically small (1–10 mm), often metallic green, blue, or bronze, with characteristically long and slender legs. Adults are predominantly predatory on small invertebrates. The family is particularly diverse in North America, with nearly 60 genera and about 1,300 species. Many species inhabit moist environments near water margins, though others occupy terrestrial habitats including tree trunks and foliage.
Dolichopus acuminatus
Dolichopus acuminatus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae. The genus Dolichopus is characterized by small to medium-sized predatory flies, typically exhibiting metallic coloration. As with other members of this family, D. acuminatus likely shares the characteristic elongated legs and predatory habits typical of the group.
Dolichopus consanguineus
Dolichopus consanguineus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, first described by Wheeler in 1899. Members of the genus Dolichopus are small predatory flies characterized by elongated legs and often metallic coloration. As with other dolichopodids, this species likely exhibits complex courtship behaviors involving modified male tarsi.
Dolichopus distinctus
Dolichopus distinctus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Van Duzee in 1921. The genus Dolichopus is among the most diverse in the family, with males typically possessing ornamented front tarsi used in courtship displays. Species in this family are predatory as adults, feeding on small insects. Like most dolichopodids, D. distinctus is likely metallic in coloration and associated with moist or vegetated habitats where prey is abundant.
Dolichopus lamellicornis
Dolichopus lamellicornis is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, first described by Thomson in 1869. It is currently classified as a synonym of Hygroceleuthus lamellicornis. Like other members of the genus Dolichopus, it belongs to a diverse family of small, predatory flies known for their metallic coloration and agile flight. The species is known from very few observations, suggesting it may be rare, localized, or under-recorded.
Dolichopus ovatus
Dolichopus ovatus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae. The species was described by Loew in 1861. Like other members of the genus Dolichopus, it belongs to a diverse group of predatory flies characterized by elongated legs and often metallic coloration. Very few specific details about this particular species have been documented in accessible literature.
Dolichopus variabilis
Dolichopus variabilis is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae. The genus Dolichopus is one of the most species-rich genera within this family, characterized by males having specialized ornamentation on their front tarsi used in courtship displays. Members of this family are predatory on other small insects. The specific epithet "variabilis" suggests morphological variation, though detailed species-level documentation for this particular taxon is limited in available sources.
Dolichopus vigilans
Dolichopus vigilans is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Aldrich in 1893. Like other members of this diverse family, it is likely predatory on small insects. The genus Dolichopus is characterized by males having ornamented front tarsi used in courtship displays. Species-level information for D. vigilans is extremely limited, with only two observations recorded on iNaturalist and minimal published biological data.
Drapetis
Drapetis is a genus of dance flies in the family Hybotidae, first described by Meigen in 1822. The genus contains over 200 described species distributed across multiple continents. Members of this genus are small to minute predatory flies, typically found in damp or shaded habitats. The genus is taxonomically well-established but individual species remain poorly studied biologically.
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.
Empidoidea
Dance Flies, Long-legged Flies, and Allies
Empidoidea is a large monophyletic superfamily of true flies (Diptera) comprising approximately 10,000 described species across all continents except Antarctica. As the sister taxon to Muscomorpha (Cyclorrhapha), these two groups are sometimes united in the unranked taxon Eremoneura. The superfamily includes several well-known families: Empididae (dagger flies and balloon flies), Dolichopodidae (long-legged flies), and Hybotidae (dance flies). The group has existed since the Jurassic period and has been subject to extensive phylogenetic revision, particularly following molecular studies in 2018 that reshaped relationships among constituent families.
Empis spectabilis
dance fly
Empis spectabilis is a species of dance fly in the family Empididae, described by Loew in 1862. The species is part of the large genus Empis, which contains over 50 species in the subgenus Enolempis alone. Dance flies are predatory flies known for their distinctive mating swarms and elaborate courtship behaviors. Males of some Empis species are notable for possessing modified hind legs with enlarged structures used in courtship displays.
Euhybus
dance flies
Euhybus is a genus of dance flies in the family Hybotidae, containing at least 60 described species distributed across multiple continents. The genus was established by Coquillett in 1895 and includes species described by numerous dipterists from the late 19th century to the present. Species diversity is particularly well-documented in China, where taxonomic revisions have added multiple new species in recent decades.
Gymnomyzinae
shore flies
Gymnomyzinae is a subfamily of shore flies within the family Ephydridae. The subfamily comprises approximately seven genera and nine described species. Members are classified into five tribes: Discocerinini, Gastropini, Gymnomyzini, Hecamedini, and Lipochaetini, plus the unplaced tribe Ochtherini. The genus Ochthera, with approximately 37 described species, is the most species-rich and well-known group within this subfamily.
Haplopogon
Haplopogon is a genus of robber flies in the family Asilidae, established by Engel in 1930. As members of the Asilidae, these are predatory flies characterized by their robust build and predatory habits. The genus is poorly documented in modern literature, with limited species-level information available.
Heleodromia
Heleodromia is a genus of small predatory flies in the family Brachystomatidae (subfamily Trichopezinae), with approximately 25 described species distributed across the Holarctic region. The genus was established by Alexander Henry Haliday in 1833 and has been subject to recent taxonomic revision in the Nearctic region. Species are characterized by distinctive male terminalia used for species identification.
Hemerodromiini
Hemerodromiini is a tribe of dance flies (family Empididae) within the subfamily Empidinae. Members of this tribe are small to medium-sized predatory flies characterized by their distinctive leg structure and behavior. The tribe is distinguished from related groups by morphological adaptations associated with their characteristic hunting strategy. Hemerodromiini species are found across various habitats, particularly in association with running water and moist environments.
Heteropogon stonei
Heteropogon stonei is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Wilcox in 1965. The genus Heteropogon belongs to the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae. Robber flies in this genus are small to medium-sized predatory flies. Specific details about H. stonei's biology and ecology remain poorly documented in published sources.
Hoplocyrtoma
Hoplocyrtoma is a genus of dance flies in the family Hybotidae, first described by Melander in 1928. The genus contains five described species distributed across the Palearctic region and Japan, with one fossil species known from Eocene Baltic amber. Species are characterized by distinctive leg modifications, particularly enlarged femora in some taxa. The genus belongs to the tribe Bicellariini within the subfamily Hybotinae.
Hybos
dance flies
Hybos is a genus of small predatory dance flies in the family Hybotidae, comprising approximately 242 described species globally. The genus is distinguished by morphological features including short vein Rs, long cell cup, separated eyes in most species, a spine-like proboscis, and notably thickened hind femora bearing ventral bristles. Species occur across the Palaearctic and Oriental realms, with highest diversity in Asia. Adults are active predators of small flying insects, while larvae are soil-dwelling and predate on invertebrates.
Hybotinae
dance flies
Hybotinae is a globally widespread subfamily of hybotid flies, commonly known as dance flies. Adults are predatory and frequently observed in mating swarms where males perform characteristic 'dancing' movements. The subfamily has undergone taxonomic revision, with Hybotinae elevated to family rank (Hybotidae) by some European authorities, though this classification remains inconsistently adopted. The group includes at least 12 genera and is particularly diverse in the Oriental Realm.
Itolia
Itolia is a small genus of robber flies (family Asilidae) containing five described species. The genus was established by Wilcox in 1936. Species within Itolia are distributed in North America, with records from the southwestern United States and Mexico. Like other asilids, members of this genus are predatory flies, though specific natural history details remain poorly documented.
Leptogastrinae
Leptogastrinae is a subfamily of robber flies (Asilidae) comprising more than 450 described species. Members are distinguished from other asilids by their slender, elongate bodies and cryptic behavior in vegetation. Unlike the robust, bee-mimicking species common in other subfamilies, Leptogastrinae are nearly invisible as they navigate through tall grasses. They share the predatory habits characteristic of the family Asilidae.
Leptopeza
Leptopeza is a genus of small predatory flies in the family Hybotidae, subfamily Ocydromiinae. The genus was established by Macquart in 1828 and contains approximately 13 described species distributed across multiple continents. Hybotid flies, including Leptopeza, are generally characterized by their habit of running on vegetation rather than flying when hunting prey. The genus shows a Holarctic and Oriental distribution pattern based on described species.
Liancalus hydrophilus
Liancalus hydrophilus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Aldrich in 1893. It belongs to a genus whose members are associated with aquatic and semi-aquatic habitats. Like other dolichopodids, adults are predatory on small insects. The species epithet 'hydrophilus' (water-loving) reflects its affinity for moist environments. Very few observations of this species have been documented.
Liancalus limbatus
Liancalus limbatus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Van Duzee in 1917. The genus Liancalus belongs to the subfamily Hydrophorinae, a group associated with aquatic and semi-aquatic habitats. Like other dolichopodids, members of this genus are predatory as adults. The specific epithet "limbatus" refers to a bordered or edged characteristic, though the precise morphological basis for this name is not documented in available sources.
Medetera vittata
Medetera vittata is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Van Duzee in 1919. Like other members of the genus Medetera, it is associated with tree trunks and is predatory on other small insects. The species is part of a diverse family of predatory flies known for their metallic coloration and agile movements.
Medeterinae
Medeterinae is a subfamily of long-legged flies (Dolichopodidae) comprising approximately 40 genera arranged in four tribes: Medeterini, Systenini, Thrypticini, and Udzungwomyiini. The group includes both extant and fossil genera, with several described from amber deposits. The subfamily is most diverse in tropical and subtropical regions, with particular richness in the Afrotropical and Oriental realms.
Neodexiopsis rufitibia
Neodexiopsis rufitibia is a species of muscid fly in the subfamily Coenosiinae. It belongs to a genus of small to medium-sized flies whose members are often associated with wetland and riparian habitats. The specific epithet 'rufitibia' refers to reddish coloration on the tibiae. Like other Coenosiinae, it is presumed to have predatory or saprophagous larval habits, though direct observations are limited.
Neoplasta
Neoplasta is a genus of dance flies in the family Empididae, subfamily Empidinae, tribe Hemerodromiini. The genus contains approximately 27 described species distributed across the Americas, with records from North and South America. At least one species, N. parahebes, has been studied in detail and exhibits a life cycle tied to submerged decaying wood in freshwater streams, with predatory habits in both adult and larval stages.
Oedalea
Oedalea is a genus of predaceous flies in the family Hybotidae, subfamily Oedaleinae. Members are characterized by robust bodies, conspicuously long antennae, and raptorial hind legs adapted for capturing prey. The genus contains approximately 30 described species distributed primarily across the Holarctic region, with records from Europe, Asia, and North America. Adults are typically associated with vegetation, where they hunt small arthropods.
Oedalea ohioensis
A species of dance fly in the family Hybotidae, described by Melander in 1902. The genus Oedalea belongs to the subfamily Oedaleinae, a group of small predatory flies commonly known as dance flies. Members of this genus are characterized by their distinctive wing venation and predatory habits.
Ozodiceromyia
stiletto flies
Ozodiceromyia is a genus of stiletto flies (family Therevidae) comprising approximately seven described species distributed across North America, Central America, and northern South America. The genus was established by Bigot in 1890 and belongs to the cycloteline subfamily of Therevidae. Species in this genus are part of the diverse assemblage of predatory flies within the stiletto fly family, though specific ecological details for most species remain poorly documented.
Palaeopherocera
Palaeopherocera is a genus of stiletto flies (family Therevidae) described in 2005. The genus name suggests an ancient or primitive relationship to the genus Pherocera, a related therevid genus. As a member of Therevidae, it belongs to a family of predatory flies known for their distinctive larval biology and adult morphology. The genus is relatively recently described and appears to be poorly represented in collections.
Pherocera
Pherocera is a genus of stiletto flies in the family Therevidae, established by Cole in 1923. The genus contains approximately 12 described species. Stiletto flies (Therevidae) are predatory flies known for their distinctive elongated mouthparts and agile flight. Members of this genus are placed in the subfamily Phycusinae.
Phyllodromia
dance flies
Phyllodromia is a genus of dance flies in the family Empididae, established by Zetterstedt in 1837. The genus contains approximately 10 described species distributed primarily in Europe and North America. Species within this genus are small to medium-sized predatory flies. Several species were described by Plant in 2005, indicating ongoing taxonomic work.
Plunomia
Plunomia is a genus of flies in the family Chamaemyiidae, described by Curran in 1934. Members of this family are commonly known as aphid flies or chammy flies, many of which are predators or parasitoids of aphids and other Homoptera. The genus is rarely encountered and poorly represented in collections, with only two observations recorded on iNaturalist. Chamaemyiidae as a whole are small, delicate flies that occupy a specialized ecological niche as biological control agents.
Proctacanthella
Proctacanthella is a genus of robber flies (family Asilidae) comprising approximately eight described species. The genus was established by Bromley in 1934. Species within this genus are predatory, with documented prey recognition behaviors in at least one species.
Prolatiforceps
Prolatiforceps is a genus of robber flies (family Asilidae) established by Martin in 1975. Members of this genus belong to the subfamily Asilinae and tribe Asilini. The genus is rarely documented, with only two observations recorded on iNaturalist. As with other robber flies, species in this genus are predatory as adults.
Prorates
Prorates is a genus of small predatory flies in the family Scenopinidae (window flies), established by Melander in 1906. The genus belongs to the subfamily Proratinae, which is characterized by distinctive morphological features and predatory habits. Members of this genus are poorly known biologically, with limited published information on their ecology and behavior. The genus is distinguished from other scenopinid genera primarily by structural characteristics of the head, antennae, and male terminalia.
Psilocurus
Psilocurus is a genus of robber flies (family Asilidae) containing approximately 13-14 described species. These predatory dipterans are part of the diverse asilid fauna, though specific biological details for most species remain poorly documented. The genus was established by Hermann Loew in 1874.
Rhagio
snipe flies, downlooker flies, down-looker flies
Rhagio is a worldwide genus of predatory snipe flies (Diptera: Rhagionidae) comprising approximately 170 species. Several species are known as 'downlooker' or 'down-looker' flies due to their habit of perching on tree trunks in a head-down position. The genus can be distinguished from other rhagionids by two key wing characters: an open anal cell and the absence of a kidney-shaped arista. Taxonomic revisions have been published for both eastern and western Nearctic species.
Rhamphomyia
dance flies
Rhamphomyia is a large genus of dance flies (Empididae) comprising over 600 species arranged in 8 subgenera. The genus exhibits remarkable diversity in mating systems, including sex-role reversal where females compete for mates and males provide nuptial gifts. Several species display elaborate visual ornaments used in courtship, such as inflatable abdominal sacs and modified leg scales. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution with particular diversity in the Holarctic region, including specialized radiations in arctic tundra environments.
Saropogon
robber flies, assassin flies
Saropogon is a genus of predatory robber flies (Asilidae) comprising at least 128 described species globally. The genus is distinguished by a stout, often twisted spur at the antero-ventral apex of the fore tibiae, open cell m3 on the wing, and an antennal stylus with a single element. Nearctic species north of Mexico include 19 recognized species, with many exhibiting pronounced sexual dimorphism in coloration and wing patterns. Adults are venomous aerial predators that immobilize prey through extra-oral digestion initiated by injected venom.
Scathophaga
Dung Flies, Yellow Dung Flies
Scathophaga is a genus of small to medium-sized predatory flies in the family Scathophagidae, commonly known as dung flies. The genus includes approximately 99 described species, with Scathophaga stercoraria (the yellow dung fly) being the most extensively studied as a model organism in behavioral ecology and evolutionary biology. Adults are typically found in association with animal dung, where they engage in complex mating systems involving intense male-male competition and female mate choice. Larvae develop within dung or decaying organic matter, where they feed predaciously on other insect larvae.
Sintoria
Sintoria is a genus of robber flies in the family Asilidae, established by Hull in 1962. The genus contains approximately six described species, all described between 1962 and 1972. Species within this genus are distributed in the Americas, with records from western North America and Central America.
Stichopogoninae
Stichopogoninae is a subfamily of robber flies (family Asilidae) comprising approximately 14 genera and at least 230 described species. Members of this subfamily are predatory flies that capture prey in flight. The subfamily was established by Hardy in 1930.
Stilpon
Stilpon is a genus of small predatory flies in the family Hybotidae, subfamily Tachydromiinae. The Nearctic fauna comprises 13 recognized species, including nine described by Cumming (1992), classified into three informal species groups: S. divergens, S. graminum, and S. varipes. The genus exhibits wing polymorphy in some species, with both macropterous and micropterous forms documented in S. graminum, S. nubilus, and S. subnubilus.
Syneches
hybotid dance flies
Syneches is a genus of hybotid dance flies (family Hybotidae) comprising over 140 described species worldwide. These small predatory flies are part of the diverse dance fly assemblage, characterized by their compact body form and agile flight. The genus has been documented from tropical to temperate regions across multiple continents. Mitochondrial genome sequencing of Syneches medoganus has provided phylogenetic insights supporting Hybotinae as sister group to Tachydromiinae.
Tabudamima
Tabudamima is a genus of stiletto flies (family Therevidae, order Diptera) established by Irwin & Lyneborg in 1981. The genus was revised by Webb & Irwin in 1999, who also described the related new genus Incoxoverpa. As a therevid genus, its species are likely predatory in the larval stage, though specific life history details remain poorly documented. The genus is distinguished from the related Tabuda by specific morphological features of the male genitalia and wing venation.
Tachydromia
Tachydromia is a cosmopolitan genus of minute, predatory hybotid flies (Diptera: Hybotidae) with approximately 17 described species in the Nearctic region and numerous species globally, though with reduced diversity in East and Southeast Asia and Africa. The genus includes both fully winged species and a distinct complex of flightless, ant-like species found in western Mediterranean forests. Adults are active predators in leaf litter and ground layer habitats. Some Iberian endemic flightless species are of conservation concern due to habitat fragmentation and climate change.
Tachydromiinae
Tachydromiinae is a subfamily of Hybotidae (Diptera) comprising small predatory flies. Members are generally 1–2 mm in length and exhibit fast-running behavior on vegetation and other surfaces. The subfamily is globally distributed with notable disjunct patterns, including genera found in both southern Africa and Central Asia. Three tribes are recognized: Symballophthalmini, Drapetini, and Tachydromiini.
Tachypeza inusta
Tachypeza inusta is a small predatory dance fly in the family Hybotidae, originally described by Melander in 1902. As a member of the genus Tachypeza, it shares the family traits of compact body form, disproportionately small spherical head, and large compound eyes that dominate the head capsule. The species has been documented in North America with observational records, though specific biological details remain limited compared to better-studied congeners. Like other hybotids, it likely occupies specialized microhabitats and exhibits predatory behavior as an adult.
Tachytrechus binodatus
Tachytrechus binodatus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Loew in 1866. Members of this genus are typically found in association with moist or riparian habitats. Like other dolichopodids, they are predatory as adults. The species is part of a large and diverse family of small, often metallic flies that are challenging to identify without examination of male genitalia.
Tachytrechus vorax
Tachytrechus vorax is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, first described by Loew in 1861. As a member of this family, it shares the characteristic elongated legs and predatory habits typical of dolichopodid flies. The genus Tachytrechus is part of the diverse long-legged fly fauna of North America, though specific details about this particular species remain limited in published sources.
Xanthochlorus
Xanthochlorus is a genus of long-legged flies (Dolichopodidae) established by Loew in 1857. Species in this genus are small to medium-sized predatory flies with characteristic yellow-green coloration. The genus occurs in the Holarctic region, with records from Scandinavia and North America. Like other dolichopodids, members are likely associated with moist habitats near water bodies.
Xylophagus decorus
Xylophagus decorus is a species of fly in the family Xylophagidae, first described by Williston in 1885. The family Xylophagidae comprises a small group of predatory flies commonly known as awl-flies, characterized by their elongated bodies and distinctive wing venation. Xylophagus decorus occurs in North America, with records from Canada and the United States.
Zabrops
Zabrops is a genus of robber flies (family Asilidae) containing eight described species. The genus was established by Hull in 1958. Species within this genus are distributed in North America, with most described by Fisher in 1977. Like other robber flies, members of this genus are predatory as adults.