Predatory-fly
Guides
Cyrtopogon platycaudus
Cyrtopogon platycaudus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Curran in 1924. As a member of the genus Cyrtopogon, it belongs to a diverse group of predatory flies known for their aerial hunting behavior. The species is documented in western North America. Like other robber flies, it likely preys on other insects, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented in available sources.
Cyrtopogon praepes
Cyrtopogon praepes is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Williston in 1883. As with other members of the genus Cyrtopogon, it is a predatory dipteran that likely hunts from perches in open habitats. The species is accepted in taxonomic databases but specific biological details remain poorly documented in published literature.
Cyrtopogon pulcher
Cyrtopogon pulcher is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Back in 1909. It belongs to the diverse genus Cyrtopogon, which comprises predatory flies found primarily in North America. Robber flies in this genus are generally small to medium-sized with distinctive facial features and predatory habits. The species name "pulcher" (Latin for "beautiful") likely refers to some aspect of its coloration or morphology.
Cyrtopogon rainieri
Cyrtopogon rainieri is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Wilcox and Martin in 1936. The genus Cyrtopogon belongs to the diverse predatory fly family Asilidae, commonly known as robber flies, which are characterized by their aerial hunting behavior. Species in this genus are typically found in North America. Beyond its taxonomic description, specific biological details for C. rainieri remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Cyrtopogon rattus
Cyrtopogon rattus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Osten Sacken in 1877. The genus Cyrtopogon belongs to a diverse group of predatory flies known for their agile flight and ambush hunting behavior. As a member of this genus, C. rattus likely exhibits the characteristic traits of Cyrtopogon robber flies, though specific details about this particular species remain poorly documented in available literature.
Cyrtopogon rufotarsus
Cyrtopogon rufotarsus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Back in 1909. The genus Cyrtopogon comprises predatory flies known for their agile flight and ambush hunting behavior. Little species-specific documentation exists for C. rufotarsus, though it shares the general characteristics of the genus.
Cyrtopogon sansoni
Cyrtopogon sansoni is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Curran in 1923. The genus Cyrtopogon comprises medium-sized predatory flies typically found in arid and semi-arid regions of North America. Like other asilids, C. sansoni is presumed to be an active aerial predator of other insects. Specific details of its biology remain poorly documented in published literature.
Cyrtopogon semitarius
Cyrtopogon semitarius is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Melander in 1923. Like other members of its genus, it belongs to a diverse group of predatory flies known for their aggressive hunting behavior. The species is part of the large Cyrtopogon genus, which contains numerous similar-looking species that can be challenging to distinguish without close examination. Specific ecological details for this particular species remain poorly documented in available literature.
Cyrtopogon stenofrons
Cyrtopogon stenofrons is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Wilcox & Martin in 1936. As a member of the genus Cyrtopogon, it belongs to a group of predatory flies known for their agile flight and ambush hunting behavior. The species is accepted in taxonomic databases but appears to be poorly documented in the scientific literature, with limited published information on its biology and ecology.
Cyrtopogon sudator
Cyrtopogon sudator is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Osten Sacken in 1877. As a member of the genus Cyrtopogon, it belongs to a group of predatory flies characterized by their distinctive morphology and hunting behavior. Very few specific observations of this species have been documented in public databases, with only one iNaturalist record identified.
Cyrtopogon swezeyi
Cyrtopogon swezeyi is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Wilcox and Martin in 1936. The genus Cyrtopogon comprises small to medium-sized predatory flies characterized by their distinctive bearded faces and ambush hunting behavior. Species within this genus are typically associated with open habitats where they perch on vegetation to capture flying insect prey.
Cyrtopogon thompsoni
Cyrtopogon thompsoni is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Cole in 1921. Members of the genus Cyrtopogon are predatory flies that typically inhabit open, sunny environments. As with other Asilidae, this species likely hunts other insects in flight. The species name honors an individual with the surname Thompson.
Cyrtopogon varans
Golden-tailed Bandit
Cyrtopogon varans is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Curran in 1923. It is known from limited observations in western North America. The species belongs to a genus of predatory flies characterized by hunting from perches. Common name 'Golden-tailed Bandit' refers to distinctive coloration features.
Cyrtopogon vulneratus
Cyrtopogon vulneratus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Melander in 1923. The genus Cyrtopogon comprises predatory flies commonly known as robber flies, characterized by their stout bodies, large eyes, and strong legs adapted for capturing prey in flight. As with other asilids, this species likely exhibits the typical robber fly predatory behavior of ambushing and capturing other insects. The specific epithet "vulneratus" (Latin for "wounded") may reference a distinguishing mark or pattern on the body, though the original description details are not provided in available sources.
Dactylomyia lateralis
Dactylomyia lateralis is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, subfamily Neurigoninae. First described by Thomas Say in 1829, this species belongs to a genus of small predatory flies characterized by their elongated legs and typically metallic coloration. The species has been recorded in North America with over 340 observations documented on iNaturalist.
Dialysis elongata
Dialysis elongata is a species of fly in the family Xylophagidae, a small group of predatory flies sometimes known as awl-flies. The species was first described by Thomas Say in 1823, originally placed in the genus Stygia. It occurs in northeastern North America, with records from the United States and Canada. Xylophagidae flies are generally associated with woodland habitats and are predatory as larvae.
Dicolonus
Dicolonus is a genus of robber flies (family Asilidae) established by Loew in 1866. The genus contains approximately five described species distributed across North America and parts of Asia. As members of Asilidae, species in this genus are predatory flies that capture other insects in flight. The genus is relatively small and understudied compared to other asilid genera.
Dicolonus medius
Dicolonus medius is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Adisoemarto and Wood in 1975. The genus Dicolonus belongs to a group of predatory flies characterized by their robust build and predatory habits. Like other asilids, this species is presumed to be an active aerial predator of other insects. Specific biological details for D. medius remain poorly documented in the accessible literature.
Dicolonus simplex
Dicolonus simplex is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Loew in 1866. As a member of the Diptera order, it possesses a single pair of functional wings with the hindwings reduced to halteres. Robber flies in the genus Dicolonus are aerial predators that capture other insects in flight.
Dicolonus sparsipilosus
Dicolonus sparsipilosus is a species of robber fly described by Back in 1909. It belongs to the genus Dicolonus within the family Asilidae, a group of predatory flies known for their agile flight and ambush hunting behavior. The species is rarely recorded, with minimal observation data available.
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.
Dicranus jaliscoensis
Dicranus jaliscoensis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Williston in 1901. The species is known from Mexico, with records primarily from the state of Jalisco. Like other Asilidae, it is presumed to be a predatory insect, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
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.
Dictya texensis
Dictya texensis is a species of marsh fly (family Sciomyzidae) described by Curran in 1932. Members of the genus Dictya are recognized by their distinctive wing venation patterns. The family Sciomyzidae comprises predatory or parasitic flies whose larvae typically develop in aquatic or semi-aquatic snails. This species is poorly documented in public sources, with minimal observational records available.
Dioctria
Dioctria is a genus of robber flies (family Asilidae) in the subfamily Dasypogoninae, forming the tribe Dioctriini alongside Bohartia, Dicolonus, Echthodopa, Eudioctria, and Metadioctria. The genus contains multiple species distributed across the Holarctic region, with documented occurrences in Europe, North America, and Turkey. Species within Dioctria are generally small to medium-sized predatory flies that hunt other insects.
Dioctria henshawi
Dioctria henshawi is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Johnson in 1918. The genus Dioctria belongs to the subfamily Stenopogoninae and contains small to medium-sized predatory flies. Species in this genus are among the more diminutive members of the robber fly family, typically measuring under 10 mm in length. Information regarding the specific biology and distribution of D. henshawi remains limited 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 vera
Dioctria vera is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Back in 1909. It belongs to the subfamily Dasypogoninae and is currently classified within the genus Dioctria. As a member of the robber flies, it is a predatory dipteran, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented in available literature.
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 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 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 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.
Dolichocephala argus
Dolichocephala argus is a species of dance fly (family Empididae), first described by Melander in 1928. Dance flies in this family are predatory flies known for their distinctive aerial mating swarms. The genus Dolichocephala is classified within the subfamily Clinocerinae. Available records for this species are sparse, with limited observational data documented.
Dolichopus aethiops
Dolichopus aethiops is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Van Duzee in 1921. Members of this genus are predatory flies characterized by their elongated legs and often metallic coloration. The species is part of a large and diverse family of small to medium-sized flies that are active hunters of other small insects. As with most Dolichopus species, positive identification typically requires examination of male genitalia.
Dolichopus aurifex
Dolichopus aurifex is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Van Duzee in 1921. As a member of the genus Dolichopus, it shares characteristics with other species in this group, including elongated legs and metallic coloration typical of many dolichopodids. The species belongs to a diverse family of predatory flies known for their agility and complex courtship behaviors.
Dolichopus domesticus
Dolichopus domesticus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Van Duzee in 1921. Members of this genus are small, metallic-colored predatory flies known for their elongated legs and agile flight. Like other dolichopodids, they are predators of small insects. The specific epithet "domesticus" suggests an association with human-modified environments, though detailed ecological data for this particular species is limited.
Dolichopus gratus
Dolichopus gratus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Loew in 1861. As a member of this large and diverse family, it shares the characteristic predatory habits and metallic coloration typical of dolichopodids. The genus Dolichopus is one of the most species-rich genera in the family, with males possessing distinctive ornamented front tarsi used in courtship displays. Specific ecological details for D. gratus remain poorly documented in available sources.
Dolichopus longimanus
Dolichopus longimanus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Loew in 1861. As a member of the genus Dolichopus, it shares the characteristic elongated legs and metallic coloration typical of this diverse group of predatory flies. The species epithet 'longimanus' refers to its long forelegs or 'hands'. Like other dolichopodids, it is likely a small, active predator of other small insects.
Dolichopus occidentalis
Dolichopus occidentalis is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Aldrich in 1893. It belongs to a large genus of predatory flies known for their elongated legs and metallic coloration. The specific epithet 'occidentalis' suggests a western geographic association. As with other members of Dolichopodidae, it is presumed to be predatory, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Dolichopus porphyrops
Dolichopus porphyrops is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, first described by Van Duzee in 1921. Like other members of the genus Dolichopus, it belongs to a diverse group of small, predatory flies characterized by elongated legs and often metallic coloration. The species is known from limited distribution records in the northeastern United States.
Dolichopus pulchrimanus
Dolichopus pulchrimanus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, first described by Bigot in 1888. The genus Dolichopus is one of the largest genera within this diverse family of predatory flies. Like other members of its genus, it possesses characteristically elongated legs and likely exhibits predatory behavior on small insects. Species-level identification within Dolichopus typically requires examination of male genitalia.
Dolichopus ramifer
Dolichopus ramifer is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Loew in 1861. Members of the genus Dolichopus are predatory flies known for their elongated legs and often metallic coloration. Males of the genus possess modified front tarsi adorned with scale-like ornaments used in courtship displays. The species is part of a large and diverse family with complex identification requirements.
Dolichopus remipes
long-legged fly
Dolichopus remipes is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, a diverse group of predatory flies characterized by their elongated legs and often metallic coloration. The species was described by Wahlberg in 1839 and is known from European localities. As with other members of the genus Dolichopus, it likely exhibits the family's characteristic predatory behavior on small insects, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited in published literature.
Dolichopus scapularis
long-legged fly
Dolichopus scapularis is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, first described by Loew in 1861. Members of this family are small to medium-sized flies, typically metallic in coloration, and are predatory on other small insects. The genus Dolichopus is one of the largest genera within the family, with males often possessing distinctive modifications to their fore tarsi used in courtship displays.