Predatory-fly
Guides
Ablautus californicus
Ablautus californicus is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Wilcox in 1935. The genus Ablautus is currently undergoing taxonomic revision, with this species among those being studied to clarify species boundaries and relationships. Like other Asilidae, it is presumed to be a predatory insect both in larval and adult stages. The specific epithet indicates a California distribution.
Ablautus colei
Northwestern Prospector
Ablautus colei is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Wilcox in 1966. It belongs to a genus of small, sand-colored predatory flies found in North America. The species is part of the 'Northwestern Prospector' group within the genus, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented. Like other Ablautus species, it likely exhibits sexual dimorphism in facial hair coloration and elaborate male courtship displays.
Ablautus coquilletti
Coquillett Prospector
Ablautus coquilletti is a species of assassin fly (family Asilidae) described by Wilcox in 1935. The genus Ablautus comprises predatory flies commonly known as prospectors, characterized by their distinctive facial hair and venomous hunting behavior. This species is currently undergoing taxonomic revision as part of broader systematic studies of the genus Ablautus.
Ablautus schlingeri
Oso Flaco Robber Fly
Ablautus schlingeri, commonly known as the oso flaco robber fly, is a small predatory fly in the family Asilidae. The species is endemic to California and has been documented at Oso Flaco Lake and surrounding dune habitats. It faces potential threats from sand mining operations that degrade its specialized sandy habitat. The species was described by Wilcox in 1966 and remains relatively poorly known.
Acrosathe vanduzeei
Acrosathe vanduzeei is a species of stiletto fly in the family Therevidae. The genus Acrosathe belongs to the subfamily Therevinae, one of the most diverse lineages within the family. Stiletto flies are predatory as adults, typically hunting other insects, while their larvae are generally soil-dwelling predators or scavengers. The specific epithet vanduzeei honors the entomologist Edward P. Van Duzee.
Amblyonychus
Amblyonychus is a genus of robber flies (Asilidae) established by Hermann in 1921. Members of this genus are predatory flies that hunt other insects in flight. The genus contains multiple species distributed across various regions, though specific species-level information remains limited in available sources.
Amblyonychus trapezoidalis
Green-eyed Lion Fly
Amblyonychus trapezoidalis is a species of robber fly (Asilidae) originally described from Italy in 1861. It is known by the common name "Green-eyed Lion Fly" and has been documented in at least 15 iNaturalist observations. The species belongs to a genus of predatory flies characterized by robust bodies and strong predatory habits.
Ammonaios confusus
Ammonaios confusus is a species of stiletto fly in the family Therevidae, described by Hauser and Irwin in 2003. The genus Ammonaios was established relatively recently, and species within this group are poorly known compared to many other therevid flies. Like other Therevidae, adults are likely predatory or nectar-feeding, though specific ecological details remain undocumented. The species epithet 'confusus' suggests historical taxonomic confusion with related taxa.
Andrenosoma cruentum
Mangrove Chiselmouth
Andrenosoma cruentum is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, subfamily Laphriinae. It belongs to a genus of predatory flies whose larvae feed on wood-boring beetle larvae. The species is found in mangrove habitats, distinguishing it from congeners that inhabit dry, sandy woodlands. Like other Andrenosoma species, adults are sit-and-wait predators that perch on exposed surfaces to ambush prey.
Apachekolos confusio
Arizona Pixie
Apachekolos confusio is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Martin in 1957. It is known by the common name 'Arizona Pixie'. As a member of the Asilidae, it belongs to a diverse family of predatory flies characterized by their robust build, strong flight capabilities, and aggressive hunting behavior. The genus Apachekolos is part of the North American robber fly fauna.
Apachekolos scapularis
Hairy-footed Pixie
Apachekolos scapularis is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Bigot in 1878. It was originally described as Leptogaster scapularis before being transferred to the genus Apachekolos. The species has been recorded from only a handful of observations, indicating it is either rare, poorly sampled, or restricted to specific habitats. As a member of the Asilidae, it is a predatory fly that likely hunts other insects.
Archilestris magnificus
Northern Brigand
Archilestris magnificus is a robber fly species in the family Asilidae, subfamily Dasypogoninae. The species is noted for its vivid, aposematic or mimetic coloration, which has been cited as one of the most impressive among robber flies. First described by Walker in 1854 under the basionym Dasypogon magnificus, this species has been documented through 527 iNaturalist observations. It belongs to a genus of charismatic predatory flies known for their striking appearance.
Argyra calceata
Argyra calceata is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, first described by Hermann Loew in 1861. The genus Argyra belongs to the subfamily Diaphorinae, a group of small to medium-sized flies known for their metallic coloration and elongated legs. Members of this family are generally predatory as larvae and often associated with moist or aquatic habitats. The specific epithet "calceata" refers to being shod or booted, likely alluding to a characteristic of the leg structure. The species is poorly documented in publicly available literature, with minimal observational records.
Argyra nigriventris
Argyra nigriventris is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Van Duzee in 1925. The genus Argyra belongs to the subfamily Diaphorinae, a group characterized by metallic coloration and distinctive genitalia structures. Members of this genus are typically small to medium-sized flies associated with various habitats. The specific epithet "nigriventris" refers to the black venter (underside) of the abdomen, a diagnostic color pattern for this species.
Argyra robusta
Argyra robusta is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Johnson in 1906. The genus Argyra comprises small to medium-sized flies characterized by their notably long legs and metallic coloration. As with other members of Dolichopodidae, this species is predatory in both larval and adult stages. The specific epithet 'robusta' suggests a relatively sturdy or substantial build compared to congeners. Available records for this species are sparse, with limited observational data documented.
Argyra sericata
Argyra sericata is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Van Duzee in 1925. The genus Argyra comprises small to medium-sized predatory flies commonly found near water or in moist habitats. As a member of Dolichopodidae, this species likely exhibits the family's characteristic metallic coloration and elongated legs adapted for rapid movement. The specific epithet "sericata" (meaning silken) may refer to body texture or sheen. No detailed biological studies of this particular species have been documented in the provided sources.
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.
Asyndetus latus
Asyndetus latus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Van Duzee in 1916. Long-legged flies in this family are generally predatory as adults, feeding on small invertebrates. Very little specific information is documented about this particular species beyond its taxonomic description. The genus Asyndetus contains numerous species, many of which are poorly studied.
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.
Atomosia rufipes
Atomosia rufipes is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Macquart in 1847. Robber flies are predatory dipterans known for their aggressive hunting behavior and powerful flight. The species epithet 'rufipes' refers to reddish-colored legs, a characteristic feature of this taxon. As with other members of the genus Atomosia, this species likely exhibits the typical asilid morphology adapted for aerial predation.
Backomyia anomala
Backomyia anomala is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Wilcox & Martin in 1957. The genus Backomyia is a small group within the diverse robber fly family, which contains over 7,000 species worldwide. Robber flies are predatory insects known for their aggressive hunting behavior and stout, piercing mouthparts. Specific information about the biology, habitat preferences, and distribution of B. anomala remains limited in the available literature.
Backomyia hannai
Big Bear Bandit
Backomyia hannai is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Wilcox & Martin in 1957. It is placed in the genus Backomyia, a small genus within the diverse Asilidae family. The species is known by the common name "Big Bear Bandit" in iNaturalist taxonomy, though this name appears to have limited formal usage. As with other robber flies, B. hannai is presumed to be a predatory insect, but specific biological details remain poorly documented in available literature.
Backomyia limpidipennis
Clear-winged Bandit
Backomyia limpidipennis is a species of robber fly (Diptera: Asilidae) described by Wilcox in 1936. It is known by the common name "Clear-winged Bandit." As a member of the Asilidae family, it belongs to a group of predatory flies characterized by aggressive hunting behavior, though species-specific details for this taxon remain poorly documented in available literature.
Backomyia schlingeri
Schlinger Bandit
Backomyia schlingeri is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Wilcox & Martin in 1957. The species epithet honors E. Schlinger, a notable collector associated with the UCR Entomology Research Museum. As a member of the Asilidae, it is presumed to be a predatory fly, though specific biological details remain undocumented in available sources. The common name "Schlinger Bandit" has been assigned on iNaturalist.
Beamerolyia silvacola
Woodland Pixie
Beameromyia silvacola is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Martin in 1957. The common name 'Woodland Pixie' reflects its association with forested habitats. As a member of the Asilidae, it belongs to a family of predatory flies known for their aerial hunting abilities. The species is part of the genus Beameromyia, which contains small to medium-sized robber flies found in North America.
Beameromyia
Beameromyia is a genus of robber flies (family Asilidae) established by Martin in 1957. As members of the Asilidae, these predatory flies are characterized by their robust build and predatory habits. The genus contains species distributed in North America, with records primarily from the southwestern United States and Mexico. Like other robber flies, they are aerial predators that capture other insects in flight.
Beameromyia bifida
Notch-tailed Pixie
Beameromyia bifida is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) first described by Hardy in 1942 under the basionym Leptogaster bifidus. It is commonly known as the Notch-tailed Pixie. The species belongs to the genus Beameromyia, a group of small, delicate robber flies sometimes referred to as 'pixies' due to their diminutive size and agile flight. As with other Asilidae, it is a predatory fly, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Beameromyia chrysops
Golden-eyed Pixie
Beameromyia chrysops is a small robber fly species in the family Asilidae, first described by Martin in 1957. The species is commonly known as the 'Golden-eyed Pixie,' a name reflecting its diminutive size and likely eye coloration. As a member of the Asilidae, it is a predatory fly that captures other insects in flight. The genus Beameromyia contains species of small, often inconspicuous robber flies that are poorly documented in the scientific literature.
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.
Beameromyia lunula
Madera Pixie
Beameromyia lunula is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Martin in 1957. It belongs to the subfamily Laphriinae and tribe Atomosiini. The species epithet 'lunula' refers to a small crescent or moon-shaped marking, likely describing a distinctive wing or body pattern. As with other robber flies, it is presumed to be a predatory insect, though specific behavioral and ecological details remain poorly documented.
Beameromyia macula
Spot-legged Pixie
Beameromyia macula is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Martin in 1957. It is commonly known as the Spot-legged Pixie. As a member of the Asilidae, it belongs to a family of predatory flies known for their aggressive hunting behavior and aerial predation on other insects. The genus Beameromyia is part of the diverse robber fly fauna of North America.
Beameromyia monticola
Santa Rita Pixie
Beameromyia monticola is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Martin in 1957. The species epithet 'monticola' (mountain-dwelling) suggests an association with montane habitats. The common name 'Santa Rita Pixie' indicates a likely connection to the Santa Rita Mountains of Arizona. As a member of the Asilidae, it belongs to a family of predatory flies known for their aggressive hunting behavior and distinctive morphology.
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.
Blepharepium sonorensis
Sonora Hanging Thief
Blepharepium sonorensis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Sonora Hanging Thief. It was described by Papavero & Bernardi in 1973. The species belongs to the genus Blepharepium, which is characterized by distinctive predatory behaviors typical of robber flies. As with other Asilidae, this species is likely an aerial predator of other insects. Very few observations of this species have been recorded, with only 3 documented observations in iNaturalist as of the available data.
Bohartia bromleyi
Nevada Longhorn Robber
Bohartia bromleyi is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Hull in 1958. It belongs to the genus Bohartia, a small group of longhorn robber flies characterized by elongated antennae. The species is endemic to the western United States. Like other Asilidae, it is presumed to be an aerial predator of other insects.
Bohartia martini
Brown Longhorn Robber
Bohartia martini is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described in 1975 by Adisoemarto and Wood. It belongs to a genus named in honor of the entomologist Richard M. Bohart. As a member of the Asilidae family, it is presumed to share the predatory habits characteristic of robber flies, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented. The species is recognized as valid and accepted in major taxonomic databases.
Bohartia nitor
White-haired Longhorn Robber
Brachystoma occidentale
Brachystoma occidentale is a species of dance fly in the family Brachystomatidae, first described by Melander in 1902. The species name "occidentale" refers to its western distribution in North America. Dance flies in this family are predatory as adults and are commonly found in moist habitats near streams and wetlands. Limited observational data exists for this species, with 27 observations recorded on iNaturalist.
Breviperna placida
Breviperna placida is a species of stiletto fly in the family Therevidae, originally described by Coquillett in 1894 as Psilocephala placida. Stiletto flies are a diverse group of predatory flies, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented. The genus Breviperna is part of the therevid fauna of North America.
Bromleyus flavidorsus
Bromleyus flavidorsus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Hardy in 1945. The genus Bromleyus is endemic to Australia and contains relatively few described species. As with other Asilidae, this species is presumed to be a predatory fly, though specific ecological details remain undocumented in published literature. The species epithet 'flavidorsus' refers to a yellowish dorsal coloration.
Ceraturgus cruciatus
Ceraturgus cruciatus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1823. The species was historically confused with C. fasciatus, which was resurrected from synonymy in a 2008 taxonomic revision. As a member of the genus Ceraturgus, it belongs to a group of predatory flies characterized by distinctive morphological features. The species has been recorded from the northeastern United States, including Vermont.
Ceraturgus fasciatus
Banded Tiger Fly
Ceraturgus fasciatus is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) found in the eastern United States and Canada. The species was resurrected from synonymy with Ceraturgus cruciatus in a 2008 taxonomic review. As a member of the Asilidae, it is a predatory fly, though specific prey records and detailed natural history for this species remain poorly documented.
Ceraturgus johnsoni
Ceraturgus johnsoni is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Martin in 1965. It belongs to the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae and tribe Ceraturgini. As with other members of the genus Ceraturgus, this species is likely a predatory insect, though specific biological details remain poorly documented in available sources.
Cerotainiops
Cerotainiops is a small genus of robber flies established by Curran in 1930. The genus comprises approximately six described species distributed in North America. As members of the family Asilidae, these predatory flies hunt other insects in flight. The genus has received limited taxonomic study beyond original species descriptions.
Chersodromia inchoata
Chersodromia inchoata is a species of dance fly in the family Hybotidae, described by Melander in 1906. It belongs to the subfamily Tachydromiinae and tribe Drapetini. The genus Chersodromia comprises small, predatory flies often found in moist, shaded habitats. Records for this species remain sparse, with limited observational data available.
Chromolepida mexicana
Chromolepida mexicana is a species of stiletto fly in the family Therevidae, described by Cole in 1923. Stiletto flies are predatory insects characterized by their slender bodies and distinctive wing venation. The genus Chromolepida is part of a diverse family of brachyceran flies found primarily in arid and semi-arid regions. Very few observations of this species exist in public databases.
Chrysotus affinis
Chrysotus affinis is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Loew in 1861. The genus Chrysotus is part of the subfamily Diaphorinae and includes numerous small, metallic-colored flies. Members of this genus are generally predatory as adults, though specific ecological details for C. affinis remain poorly documented.
Chrysotus cornutus
Chrysotus cornutus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, first described by Loew in 1862. As a member of this family, it belongs to a diverse group of small to medium-sized predatory flies commonly found in moist habitats. The specific epithet 'cornutus' refers to a horned or projecting feature, though the precise morphological basis for this name is not detailed in available sources. Like other dolichopodids, this species likely exhibits the characteristic long legs and metallic coloration typical of the family.
Chrysotus leucostoma
Chrysotus leucostoma is a species of long-legged fly (family Dolichopodidae) described by Loew in 1861. The genus Chrysotus belongs to the subfamily Diaphorinae, a diverse group of small to medium-sized predatory flies. Members of this genus are generally associated with moist or wetland habitats. Very few observations of this species have been recorded, with only 3 documented occurrences in iNaturalist.
Clinocera lineata
Clinocera lineata is a species of dance fly in the family Empididae, described by Loew in 1862. It belongs to the subfamily Clinocerinae, a group of predatory flies often associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. The genus Clinocera comprises species commonly known as dance flies due to their characteristic swarming behavior during mating. Information regarding the specific biology and ecology of C. lineata is limited in available sources.