Predatory-fly
Guides
Lasiopogon zonatus
Lasiopogon zonatus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Cole & Wilcox in 1938. It belongs to the genus Lasiopogon, a group of small to medium-sized predatory flies distributed across North America. Robber flies in this genus are typically associated with open, sandy or gravelly habitats near water. The species epithet "zonatus" refers to banded or zoned coloration patterns. Like other Asilidae, adults are aerial predators that capture other insects in flight using their spiny legs and piercing-sucking mouthparts.
Leptogaster aegra
Leptogaster aegra is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Martin in 1957. It is known from the eastern United States, occurring in regions east of the Rocky Mountains. As with other members of the genus Leptogaster, it is a predatory fly, though specific details of its biology remain poorly documented.
Leptogaster arborcola
Leptogaster arborcola is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Martin in 1957. It belongs to the genus Leptogaster, a group of slender, elongate robber flies characterized by their distinctive body form and predatory habits. The specific epithet "arborcola" suggests an association with trees or arboreal habitats. As with other members of the Leptogastrinae, it is presumed to be an aerial predator of small insects.
Leptogaster arida
Leptogaster arida is a species of robber fly (Asilidae) described by Cole in 1919. As a member of the genus Leptogaster, it belongs to a group of slender, elongate robber flies that are morphologically and behaviorally distinct from the more robust, heavily-built asilids. The species epithet "arida" suggests an association with dry or arid habitats. Very few observations of this species have been documented, with only four records in iNaturalist as of the available data.
Leptogaster brevicornis
Leptogaster brevicornis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Loew in 1872. Robber flies are predatory dipterans known for their agile flight and aggressive hunting behavior. The genus Leptogaster comprises small, slender robber flies often found in grassy or brushy habitats. Specific ecological and behavioral details for this species remain poorly documented.
Leptogaster californica
Leptogaster californica is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Martin in 1957. It belongs to the subfamily Leptogastrinae, a group of slender, elongate robber flies often found in grassy or weedy habitats. The species is endemic to California, as indicated by its specific epithet. Like other members of the genus Leptogaster, it is likely a predator of small arthropods, though specific ecological data for this species are limited.
Leptogaster carolinensis
Leptogaster carolinensis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Schiner in 1866. It belongs to the subfamily Leptogastrinae, a group characterized by slender, elongated bodies and distinctive predatory behaviors. The species epithet 'carolinensis' suggests a historical association with the Carolinas region of the eastern United States. As with other Leptogaster species, it is likely a small, delicate predator of other small arthropods.
Leptogaster flavipes
Yellow-legged Pixie
Leptogaster flavipes is a small robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Yellow-legged Pixie. The species is distinguished by its notably slender body form and pale yellow legs, traits that set it apart from the generally more robust build typical of most robber flies. As a member of the genus Leptogaster, it exhibits the characteristic delicate morphology associated with this group of aerial predators. The species was described by Loew in 1862.
Leptogaster fornicata
Leptogaster fornicata is a species of robber fly (Diptera: Asilidae) described by Martin in 1957. It belongs to the subfamily Leptogastrinae, a group characterized by slender, elongate bodies and distinctive predatory habits. Like other members of the genus Leptogaster, this species is likely adapted to capturing small prey in grassy or herbaceous vegetation. The species appears to be rarely collected or reported, with no observations recorded in iNaturalist as of the available data.
Leptogaster lanata
Leptogaster lanata is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Martin in 1957. It belongs to the subfamily Leptogasterinae, a group characterized by slender, elongate bodies and distinctive predatory behaviors. The species epithet 'lanata' (meaning 'woolly' in Latin) suggests a possible covering of dense setae. Like other members of the genus Leptogaster, it is likely a predator of small insects, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented due to limited collection records.
Leptogaster murina
Leptogaster murina is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Hermann Loew in 1862. It belongs to the subfamily Leptogastrinae, a group characterized by slender, elongate bodies and distinctive predatory habits. The genus Leptogaster is known for its delicate, wasp-like appearance compared to more robust asilid genera. This species is part of a diverse lineage of aerial predators within the Diptera.
Leptogaster obscuripes
Leptogaster obscuripes is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Loew in 1862. It belongs to the genus Leptogaster, which comprises small, slender robber flies often found in grassy or brushy habitats. Members of this genus are characterized by their elongated, delicate bodies and relatively long legs compared to other asilids. The species epithet 'obscuripes' refers to the darkened legs.
Leptogaster panda
Leptogaster panda is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Martin in 1957. The genus Leptogaster comprises small, slender robber flies characterized by elongated bodies and distinctive predatory habits. No observations of this species have been recorded in iNaturalist, suggesting it may be rarely encountered or underreported.
Leptogaster patula
Leptogaster patula is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Martin in 1957. It belongs to the genus Leptogaster, which comprises small, slender robber flies commonly known as 'gangling' flies due to their elongated bodies and long, thin legs. The species is part of the subfamily Leptogastrinae, a group distinguished by their distinctive morphology among Asilidae. Very limited information is available regarding the specific biology and ecology of this species.
Leptogaster schaefferi
Leptogaster schaefferi is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, subfamily Leptogastrinae. It was described by Back in 1909. Members of the genus Leptogaster are characterized by their slender, elongated bodies and are commonly known as 'thread-legged flies' due to their extremely long, thin legs. The species epithet 'schaefferi' honors an entomologist, following the common practice of the era.
Leptopteromyia
Leptopteromyia is a genus of robber flies (family Asilidae) established by Williston in 1907. The genus contains seven described species distributed across the Americas, from the United States to South America. These predatory flies are part of the diverse Asilidae family, known for their aggressive hunting behavior. Species within this genus were described primarily by Hardy (1947) and Martin (1971).
Leptopteromyia americana
Leptopteromyia americana is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Hardy in 1947. As a member of the predatory Asilidae, it likely exhibits the characteristic hunting behavior of the family, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented. The species is known from 119 iNaturalist observations, indicating it has been encountered with some regularity by naturalists, though published research on its biology is sparse.
Lestomyia
Lestomyia is a genus of robber flies (family Asilidae) in the subfamily Dasypogoninae, established by Williston in 1883. The genus contains approximately six described species distributed in North America. Members of this genus are predatory flies that hunt other insects in flight.
Lestomyia atripes
Lestomyia atripes is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Wilcox in 1937. It belongs to the subfamily Dasypogoninae, a group of predatory flies known for their aerial hunting behavior. The specific epithet 'atripes' refers to black legs. Very little species-specific information is available in published literature.
Lestomyia strigipes
Lestomyia strigipes is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Curran in 1931. As a member of the subfamily Dasypogoninae, it belongs to a diverse group of predatory flies. The genus Lestomyia contains multiple species distributed across various regions. Like other asilids, this species is presumed to be an aerial predator, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Liancalus genualis
Liancalus genualis is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, notable as the only member of its genus known from eastern North America. Like other dolichopodids, it is a predatory fly. The species was described by Loew in 1861.
Liancalus querulus
Liancalus querulus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, first described by Osten Sacken in 1877. As a member of this large and diverse family, it shares the characteristic elongated legs and metallic coloration typical of dolichopodids. The genus Liancalus includes species associated with moist habitats, though specific details for L. querulus remain limited in available sources.
Limnophora
Limnophora is a genus of muscid flies established by Robineau-Desvoidy in 1830, comprising approximately 230 species distributed worldwide. The genus is characterized by distinctive silver bands across the thorax and serves as the namesake for the tribe Limnophorini. Species occur in diverse habitats including riverine environments, karst formations such as tufa barriers, and high montane forests. The genus includes notable species such as Limnophora riparia, a documented predator of larval black flies, and L. marginata, which has been studied for genetic and morphometric variation across altitudinal gradients.
Machimus adustus
Machimus adustus is a species of robber fly described by Martin in 1975. As a member of the family Asilidae, it belongs to a group of predatory flies known for their aggressive hunting behavior. The species is classified within the subfamily Asilinae and tribe Machimini.
Machimus erythocnemius
White-spined Bladetail
Machimus erythocnemius is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) first described by Hine in 1909. It is one of approximately 180 species in the genus Machimus, which is distributed across the Holarctic region. The common name "White-spined Bladetail" refers to distinctive morphological features. Like other robber flies, it is presumed to be an active aerial predator.
Machimus virginicus
Machimus virginicus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. The species was described by Banks in 1920. As a member of the Machimus genus, it belongs to a group of predatory flies known for their active hunting behavior. Very little specific information has been published about this particular species.
Medetera aberrans
Medetera aberrans is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Wheeler in 1899. It occurs in eastern North America, where adults are frequently encountered in wet grasslands and marshes. The species exhibits metallic green coloration with yellow legs, characteristic of many dolichopodids. It belongs to the aberrans species group within Medetera, a group that has alternatively been treated as the separate genus Saccopheronta.
Megaphorus
Megaphorus is a genus of robber flies (family Asilidae) containing approximately 18 described species. These predatory dipterans are found in western North America, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Adults are typically observed perching on vegetation, where they ambush flying insect prey. The genus was established by Bigot in 1857 and is classified within the tribe Apocleini of the subfamily Asilinae.
Megaphorus acrus
Hairy Robber Fly
Megaphorus acrus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Curran in 1931. It belongs to a genus characterized by large, hairy-bodied predatory flies. The species is part of the diverse Asilidae family, whose members are known for their aggressive hunting behavior and distinctive physical appearance. Like other robber flies, M. acrus is presumed to be an aerial predator of other insects.
Megaphorus flavidus
Megaphorus flavidus is a species of robber fly (Diptera: Asilidae) in the tribe Apocleini. It was described by Cole in 1964 and is currently accepted as a valid species. The genus Megaphorus comprises medium to large predatory flies known for their powerful flight and ambush hunting behavior. Information specific to this species is limited in the provided sources.
Megaphorus frustrus
Megaphorus frustrus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Pritchard in 1935 under the basionym Mallophorina frustra. The genus Megaphorus belongs to the tribe Apocleini within the subfamily Asilinae. Robber flies in this genus are large, powerful predators known for their robust build and predatory habits. Information specifically documenting M. frustrus is sparse in the provided sources, though the genus is known from western North American arid and semi-arid habitats.
Megaphorus laphroides
Megaphorus laphroides is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Wiedemann in 1828. It belongs to the tribe Apocleini within the subfamily Asilinae. The genus Megaphorus contains species of medium to large predatory flies that hunt other insects. Like other robber flies, M. laphroides likely exhibits the characteristic predatory behavior of ambushing prey in flight using its strong legs and piercing mouthparts.
Megaphorus pallidus
Megaphorus pallidus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Johnson in 1958. The genus Megaphorus belongs to the subfamily Asilinae and tribe Apocleini. Robber flies in this genus are characterized by their predatory behavior and robust body form. Limited information is available regarding the specific biology and ecology of this particular species.
Megaphorus prudens
Megaphorus prudens is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, originally described by Pritchard in 1935. Robber flies in the genus Megaphorus are generally large, predatory insects known for their robust build and powerful flight. The species is poorly documented in the primary literature, with minimal published information regarding its biology, distribution, or distinguishing characteristics.
Metadioctria rubida
Metadioctria rubida is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Coquillett in 1893. Robber flies in this genus are predatory insects that capture other arthropods in flight. The species name 'rubida' (Latin for 'reddish') may refer to coloration, though specific diagnostic features distinguishing this species from congeners are not well documented in available sources.
Metapogon
Metapogon is a genus of robber flies (family Asilidae) in the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae. The genus contains approximately 13 described species. Members of this genus are predatory flies that capture other insects in flight. As with other Asilidae, they are characterized by their robust bodies, large eyes, and predatory behavior.
Metapogon gibber
Metapogon gibber is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Williston in 1883. It belongs to the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae, a group characterized by reduced wing venation and generally small to medium body size. As with other asilids, it is presumed to be a predatory species, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented. The genus Metapogon contains multiple species distributed primarily in North America.
Metatrichia bulbosa
window fly
Metatrichia bulbosa is a species of window fly in the family Scenopinidae, originally described as Scenopinus bulbosa by Osten Sacken in 1877. Window flies (Scenopinidae) are a small family of predatory flies known for their distinctive wing venation with reduced crossveins, creating a 'window-like' appearance. The genus Metatrichia is part of the tribe Metatrichiini within the subfamily Scenopininae. Records of this species are sparse, with confirmed observations from Brazil (Piauí).
Microstylum galactodes
Giant Gray Robber Fly
Microstylum galactodes is a large robber fly in the family Asilidae, native to the southcentral and southwestern United States. It is one of two North American species in the genus Microstylum, distinguished from the larger M. morosum by its milky white wing membranes, reddish-brown body coloration, and even whitish pruinescence covering the head and thoracic dorsum. The species is primarily associated with short grass prairies and scrub lands, showing a more western distribution than its congener. It was described by Loew in 1866.
Myelaphus
Myelaphus is a genus of robber flies in the family Asilidae, established by Bigot in 1882. The genus contains approximately six described species distributed primarily in Asia. Members of this genus are predatory dipterans that hunt other insects in flight.
Myelaphus melas
Myelaphus melas is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Bigot in 1882. Robber flies in this family are predatory insects known for their aerial hunting abilities. The genus Myelaphus is part of the diverse asilid fauna of North America.
Nannocyrtopogon
Nannocyrtopogon is a genus of robber flies (family Asilidae) comprising at least 20 described species. Members of this genus are aerial predators that capture other insects in flight. The genus was established by Wilcox and Martin in 1936 and is classified within the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae and tribe Ceraturgini. These flies are found in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions.
Nannocyrtopogon atripes
Nannocyrtopogon atripes is a species of robber fly described by Wilcox & Martin in 1936. It belongs to the family Asilidae, a group of predatory flies known for their aggressive hunting behavior. The species is placed in the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae and tribe Ceraturgini. Specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented in published literature.
Nannocyrtopogon irvinei
Nannocyrtopogon irvinei is a species of robber fly (Asilidae) described by Wilcox & Martin in 1957. It belongs to the tribe Ceraturgini within the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae. As with other members of its family, it is presumed to be an aerial predator of other insects, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Nannocyrtopogon vanduzeei
Nannocyrtopogon vanduzeei is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Wilcox and Martin in 1936. It belongs to the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae and tribe Ceraturgini. Like other robber flies, this species is predatory, though specific behavioral and ecological details remain poorly documented in published literature.
Nannodioctria seminole
A small robber fly in the subfamily Dioctriinae. Members of this genus are among the smallest asilids, typically measuring under 10 mm in length. The specific epithet 'seminole' suggests a connection to Florida or southeastern North America, where the Seminole people historically resided. The genus Nannodioctria contains diminutive predatory flies that hunt in vegetation.
Neomochtherus californicus
Neomochtherus californicus is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Hine in 1909. The species belongs to the tribe Neomochtherini within the subfamily Asilinae. Robber flies in this genus are predatory insects known for their agile flight and ambush hunting behavior. The specific epithet "californicus" indicates the species was originally described from California.
Neomochtherus comosus
Neomochtherus comosus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Hine in 1918. It belongs to the tribe Neomochtherini within the subfamily Asilinae. Like other robber flies, it is a predatory insect. Very few observations of this species have been recorded.
Neomochtherus piceus
Neomochtherus piceus is a species of robber fly (Diptera: Asilidae) described by Hine in 1909. It belongs to the tribe Neomochtherini within the subfamily Asilinae. The genus Neomochtherus comprises predatory flies found in grassland habitats. Based on iNaturalist records, this species has been documented in at least 28 observations, indicating it is not exceptionally rare but remains poorly studied in the scientific literature.
Neurigona aestiva
Neurigona aestiva is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae. It was described by Van Duzee in 1913. Very few observations of this species exist in public databases, with only four records documented on iNaturalist. The genus Neurigona belongs to a diverse family of predatory flies characterized by their elongated legs and metallic coloration.