Predatory-fly
Guides
Efferia vertebrata
Mountain Hammertail
Efferia vertebrata is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) first described by Bromley in 1940. Known by the common name "Mountain Hammertail," this predatory dipteran belongs to the large and diverse genus Efferia, which contains numerous species distributed primarily in the Americas. Robber flies in this genus are characterized by their robust build, strong flying ability, and predatory habits. The specific epithet "vertebrata" likely refers to some aspect of the species' structural morphology, though the precise meaning is not documented in readily available sources.
Efferia wilcoxi
Wilcox Hammertail
Efferia wilcoxi is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Bromley in 1940. The species belongs to the genus Efferia, a large and diverse group of predatory flies commonly known as "hammertails" due to the swollen genital capsule in males. As a member of the subfamily Dasypogoninae, this species exhibits the characteristic predatory behavior and morphology typical of robber flies, including large compound eyes, a concave face with a mystax of bristles, and raptorial legs adapted for capturing prey in flight. The specific epithet "wilcoxi" honors an individual, likely an entomologist or collector associated with the type specimen.
Efferia zonata
Banded Hammertail
Efferia zonata is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Hine in 1919. The species belongs to the Efferia group, a lineage of large, predatory flies formerly treated as a subgenus of Efferia but now widely regarded as comprising valid related genera including Triorla. As a member of this group, E. zonata likely shares characteristics with other large, powerful predatory flies that actively hunt other insects. The specific epithet 'zonata' suggests banded coloration patterning.
Elmohardyia atlantica-complex
Elmohardyia atlantica-complex is a species complex within the long-legged fly family Dolichopodidae. The group comprises morphologically similar species that have not been fully resolved taxonomically, likely due to cryptic diversity and insufficient sampling. Members are small to medium predatory flies associated with forested habitats. The complex is part of a Neotropical genus with limited published ecological or behavioral documentation.
Eucyrtopogon calcaratus
Eucyrtopogon calcaratus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Curran in 1923. It belongs to a genus of predatory flies known for their aerial hunting behavior. The specific epithet "calcaratus" refers to a spur or calcar, likely describing a morphological feature of the legs. The species is part of the diverse robber fly fauna of North America, though detailed biological information appears limited in available sources.
Eucyrtopogon nigripes
Eucyrtopogon nigripes is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Jones in 1907. The specific epithet "nigripes" (Latin for "black-footed") suggests a distinctive dark coloration of the legs. Robber flies in the genus Eucyrtopogon are generally small to medium-sized predatory flies. This species belongs to a diverse family of aerial predators known for their hunting behavior.
Eudioctria brevis
Eudioctria brevis is a small species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, subfamily Stenopogoninae. It is one of four Eudioctria species occurring in eastern North America, with the genus primarily distributed in western United States. The species is among the smallest North American robber flies, measuring 6–8 mm in length. It was described by Banks in 1917.
Eudioctria doanei
Eudioctria doanei is a small robber fly (family Asilidae) in the subfamily Stenopogoninae. It belongs to a genus of diminutive predatory flies measuring only 6–8 mm in length, making them among the smallest North American robber flies. The species was described by Melander in 1924. While specific details about this particular species are sparse, the genus Eudioctria is primarily western in distribution, with four of its fourteen species extending into eastern North America. Members of this genus are known to perch on flat leaves at the tops of small shrubs, distinguishing them behaviorally from similar-looking Cerotainia species that prefer twig-ends.
Eudioctria media
Eudioctria media is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, subfamily Stenopogoninae. It is one of approximately 14 species in the genus Eudioctria, a group of small predatory flies found primarily in western North America with a few species extending into eastern states. The genus is characterized by extremely small body size among robber flies, measuring only 6–8 mm in length.
Gymnopternus annulatus
Gymnopternus annulatus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Van Duzee in 1926. The genus Gymnopternus belongs to the subfamily Dolichopodinae, a group of predatory flies known for their elongated legs and metallic coloration. This species is currently accepted in taxonomic databases but has no documented observations in community science platforms. The specific epithet 'annulatus' typically refers to ringed or banded markings, though the precise morphological features distinguishing this species from congeners remain poorly documented in accessible literature.
Gymnopternus exilis
Gymnopternus exilis is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Loew in 1861. It belongs to the subfamily Dolichopodinae. The genus Gymnopternus comprises small to medium-sized predatory flies characterized by their elongated legs. Very little specific information is available about this particular species beyond its taxonomic placement.
Gymnopternus subulatus
Gymnopternus subulatus is a species of long-legged fly described by Loew in 1861. It belongs to the family Dolichopodidae, a diverse group of small to medium-sized predatory flies known for their elongated legs. The genus Gymnopternus is part of the subfamily Dolichopodinae.
Hadrokolos
Hadrokolos is a genus of robber flies (Asilidae) established by Martin in 1959. The genus contains at least four described species distributed in North America. As members of the Asilidae family, species in this genus are predatory flies. The genus is relatively small and understudied compared to larger asilid genera.
Hadrokolos cazieri
Hadrokolos cazieri is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Martin in 1959. The genus Hadrokolos is a small group within the diverse asilid fauna of North America. Robber flies in this genus are predatory insects that capture other arthropods in flight. Specific ecological details for H. cazieri remain poorly documented in published literature.
Haplopogon bullatus
Haplopogon bullatus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Bromley in 1934. The genus Haplopogon belongs to the subfamily Stenopogoninae, a group of predatory flies characterized by their elongated bodies and strong predatory habits. Like other asilids, this species is presumed to be an active aerial predator of other insects.
Haplopogon dicksoni
Haplopogon dicksoni is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Wilcox in 1966. The genus Haplopogon is a small group within the subfamily Asilinae, characterized by reduced wing venation and specific genitalic structures. Species in this genus are poorly documented in published literature, with most information limited to original taxonomic descriptions.
Haplopogon erinus
Haplopogon erinus is a species of robber fly described by Pritchard in 1941. It belongs to the genus Haplopogon, a group within the Asilidae family characterized by reduced wing venation and distinctive predatory habits. The species is known from limited collection records and remains poorly documented in the scientific literature.
Haplopogon triangulatus
Haplopogon triangulatus is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Martin in 1955. As a member of this predatory fly family, it likely shares the characteristic hunting behavior of ambushing and capturing other insects in flight. The species epithet 'triangulatus' suggests a triangular feature in its morphology, possibly in wing venation or body shape. No iNaturalist observations are recorded for this species, indicating it may be rare, poorly known, or restricted in distribution.
Heteropogon arizonensis
Heteropogon arizonensis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Wilcox in 1941. The genus Heteropogon belongs to the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae, a group of small to medium-sized predatory flies. Members of this genus are known for their characteristic perching behavior on twigs and vegetation while hunting flying insect prey. The specific epithet "arizonensis" indicates the species was described from Arizona, though detailed natural history information for this particular species remains limited.
Heteropogon cirrhatus
Heteropogon cirrhatus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Osten Sacken in 1877. Robber flies in this genus are small to medium-sized predatory insects. The genus Heteropogon is part of the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae. Available information about this specific species is limited.
Heteropogon fisheri
Heteropogon fisheri is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Wilcox in 1965. It belongs to the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae, a group of predatory flies known for their aerial hunting behavior. Like other members of the genus Heteropogon, this species is likely a predator of other insects, though specific natural history details remain undocumented.
Heteropogon rubidus
Heteropogon rubidus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Coquillett in 1893. As a member of the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae, it belongs to a diverse group of predatory flies known for their distinctive hunting behavior and piercing-sucking mouthparts. The genus Heteropogon contains multiple species distributed across North America, with related species documented in forest edge habitats.
Hilara lutea
Hilara lutea is a species of dance fly in the family Empididae, described by Loew in 1863. As a member of the genus Hilara, it belongs to a diverse group of predatory flies known for their distinctive courtship behaviors where males present nuptial gifts to females. The species epithet 'lutea' (Latin for 'yellow' or 'golden-yellow') likely refers to coloration. Empidid flies are generally small to medium-sized predatory insects found in diverse habitats, with larvae typically developing in soil, decaying organic matter, or aquatic environments.
Hilara umbrosa
Hilara umbrosa is a species of dance fly in the family Empididae, described by Loew in 1862. It belongs to the genus Hilara, a diverse group of predatory flies known for their distinctive courtship behaviors involving swarming and nuptial gift presentation. The species is part of the subfamily Empidinae and tribe Hilarini. Limited observational data exists for this species, with only 13 documented observations on iNaturalist as of the available sources.
Hodophylax
Hodophylax is a genus of robber flies in the family Asilidae, established by James in 1933. The genus contains at least four described species, all found in North America. Like other robber flies, members of this genus are predatory insects. Specific ecological details remain poorly documented due to limited study of this relatively obscure genus.
Hodophylax aridus
Hodophylax aridus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by James in 1933. The species epithet "aridus" suggests an association with arid environments. As a member of the Asilidae, it is a predatory fly. The species is represented by very few observations in biodiversity databases.
Hodophylax halli
Hodophylax halli is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Wilcox in 1961. As a member of the Diptera order, this species belongs to a diverse group of predatory flies known for their aerial hunting abilities. The genus Hodophylax is part of the Asilidae family, which comprises approximately 7,000 species worldwide. Specific biological details for H. halli remain undocumented in available sources.
Holcocephala abdominalis
Golden Goggle Eye
Holcocephala abdominalis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Golden Goggle Eye. This species is characterized by its distinctive eye morphology, with the genus name 'Holcocephala' referring to the hollow or concave head structure. The species has been documented in the northeastern United States, with records from Vermont and other locations. Like other robber flies, it is a predatory insect, though specific prey preferences for this species remain poorly documented.
Holcocephala calva
Gray Goggle Eye
Holcocephala calva is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Gray Goggle Eye. It is one of approximately 7,500 described species of predatory robber flies found worldwide. The species belongs to the genus Holcocephala, which is characterized by distinctive head morphology. Robber flies in this family are aerial predators that capture other insects in flight.
Holopogon
Holopogon is a genus of robber flies (Diptera: Asilidae) in the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae. These predatory insects are characterized by their compact, often small to medium body size and distinctive wing venation patterns. The genus was established by Komaroff and Nevski in 1935 and is distinguished from related genera by specific structural features of the male genitalia and wing morphology.
Holopogon currani
Holopogon currani is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Martin in 1959. The genus Holopogon belongs to the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae, a group of small to medium-sized predatory flies. As with other Asilidae, this species is presumed to be predatory, though specific natural history details remain poorly documented. The species epithet honors an individual with the surname Curran.
Holopogon mingusae
Holopogon mingusae is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Martin in 1959. It belongs to the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae and the genus Holopogon, a group of small to medium-sized predatory flies. The species was named in honor of Mingus, likely referencing a collector or individual associated with the type specimen. Like other robber flies, it is presumed to be an aerial predator of other insects.
Holopogon oriens
Holopogon oriens is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Martin in 1959. Robber flies in this genus are predatory insects that typically hunt other arthropods. The species is placed in the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae, a group characterized by particular morphological features of the antennae and facial structure. Very few specific details about the biology or ecology of this particular species have been documented.
Holopogon snowi
Holopogon snowi is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Back in 1909. The genus Holopogon comprises small to medium-sized predatory flies characterized by their distinctive wing venation and reduced mouthparts. This species is one of several in the genus distributed across North America.
Holopogon umbrinus
Holopogon umbrinus is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Back in 1909. It is classified within the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae and the genus Holopogon, which comprises small to medium-sized predatory flies. The species epithet 'umbrinus' (meaning 'shadowy' or 'dusky' in Latin) likely refers to its coloration. Like other asilids, it is presumed to be an aerial predator of other insects, though specific natural history details remain poorly documented.
Hybos reversus
dance fly
Hybos reversus is a species of dance fly in the family Hybotidae, originally described by Francis Walker in 1849. Like other hybotids, adults are predatory and seize prey with their forelegs. The species is part of a diverse group of small, predatory flies once classified within Empididae but now recognized as a distinct family. Larval biology remains poorly documented, as is typical for most hybotid species.
Itolia timberlakei
Itolia timberlakei is a species of robber fly (Diptera: Asilidae) described by Wilcox in 1949. The genus Itolia is a small group within the diverse Asilidae family, which comprises predatory flies commonly known as robber flies or assassin flies. The species epithet 'timberlakei' honors the entomologist P.H. Timberlake, who made substantial contributions to the study of bees and wasps at the University of California, Riverside. No detailed biological studies of this species have been published.
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 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 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 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 coquillettii
Coquillett's Bee Killer
A robber fly in the family Asilidae, Laphria coquillettii is a bumble bee mimic that occurs in North America. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits Batesian mimicry of bumble bees (Bombus spp.), gaining protection from predators while also using its bee-like appearance to approach prey. The species was described by McAtee in 1919.
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 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 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.