Predatory-fly
Guides
Rhagio albicornis
Rhagio albicornis is a species of snipe fly in the family Rhagionidae, native to the eastern Nearctic region. First described by Say in 1823, the species was taxonomically revised by Chillcott in 1965, who synonymized Rhagio boscii and Xylophagus fasciatus with this species. It belongs to a genus of predatory flies whose larvae develop in soil or decaying organic matter. The species is part of a diverse eastern Nearctic fauna that includes several recently described species such as R. dichromaticus, R. floridensis, and R. orestes.
Rhamphomyia sudigeronis
Rhamphomyia sudigeronis is a species of dance fly in the family Empididae, first described by Coquillett in 1895. As a member of the genus Rhamphomyia, it belongs to a group of predatory flies known for elaborate courtship behaviors involving nuptial gifts. The species is currently accepted in taxonomic databases, though detailed biological information specific to this species remains limited.
Rhaphium melampus
Rhaphium melampus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, subfamily Rhaphiinae. The species was described by Hermann Loew in 1861. Like other members of the genus Rhaphium, it belongs to a group of predatory flies characterized by their elongated legs. The species has been documented in iNaturalist with 65 observations, suggesting it is not extremely rare, though detailed biological studies appear limited.
Saropogon abbreviatus
Saropogon abbreviatus is a species of robber flies in the family Asilidae, described by Johnson in 1903. Robber flies are predatory insects known for their venomous nature and aerial hunting behavior. The genus Saropogon is part of the Nearctic fauna north of Mexico, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited in published literature.
Saropogon albifrons
Saropogon albifrons is a species of assassin fly (family Asilidae) described by Back in 1904. It belongs to the subfamily Dasypogoninae and tribe Saropogonini. Like other members of the genus Saropogon, it is a predatory fly with venomous capabilities. The species is part of the Nearctic fauna, with documented observations primarily from western North America.
Saropogon bryanti
Saropogon bryanti is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Wilcox in 1966. It belongs to the genus Saropogon, a group of predatory flies within the subfamily Dasypogoninae. Like other robber flies, it is presumed to be an aerial predator of other insects, though specific details of its biology remain poorly documented. The species has been recorded from limited observations, with six documented occurrences in iNaturalist as of the source date.
Saropogon coquilletti
Saropogon coquilletti is a species of assassin fly (family Asilidae) first described by Back in 1909. It belongs to the genus Saropogon, which was reviewed for Nearctic species north of Mexico by Charlotte Herbert Alberts as part of her dissertation research on assassin fly systematics. Like other members of the Asilidae, this species is a predatory fly with venomous capabilities. The species is part of a group that has received recent taxonomic attention due to the discovery and description of related new species in the southwestern United States.
Saropogon hypomelas
Saropogon hypomelas is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Loew in 1866. As a member of the genus Saropogon, it belongs to a group of predatory flies that are venomous and feed on other insects. The genus Saropogon was the subject of a 2023 taxonomic review by Charlotte Herbert Alberts, which examined all Nearctic species north of Mexico. Like other assassin flies, S. hypomelas likely plays a role as an aerial predator in its ecosystem.
Saropogon luteus
Saropogon luteus is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Coquillett in 1904. It belongs to the subfamily Dasypogoninae and tribe Saropogonini. The species epithet 'luteus' (Latin for yellow or golden-yellow) likely refers to its coloration. Like other members of the genus Saropogon, it is a predatory fly that captures other insects in flight.
Saropogon mohawki
robber fly, assassin fly
Saropogon mohawki is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Wilcox in 1966. It belongs to the subfamily Dasypogoninae and tribe Saropogonini. The genus Saropogon is part of the Nearctic fauna north of Mexico, with species reviewed in a 2023 taxonomic revision. Like other Asilidae, this species is a predatory fly, though specific ecological details remain undocumented.
Saropogon pritchardi
Saropogon pritchardi is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Bromley in 1934. Robber flies in this genus are predatory insects known for their venomous attacks on other arthropods. The genus Saropogon occurs in the Nearctic region, with species distributed across North America. Specific details about the biology and ecology of S. pritchardi remain limited in published literature.
Saropogon semiustus
Saropogon semiustus is a species of assassin fly (family Asilidae) described by Coquillett in 1904. It belongs to the subfamily Dasypogoninae and tribe Saropogonini. As with other members of the genus Saropogon, it is a predatory fly, though specific details of its biology remain poorly documented. The genus Saropogon has been the subject of recent taxonomic revision work focusing on Nearctic species.
Saropogon senex
Saropogon senex is a species of assassin fly (family Asilidae) described by Osten Sacken in 1887. As a member of the genus Saropogon, it belongs to the tribe Saropogonini within the subfamily Dasypogoninae. The genus Saropogon is part of a taxonomic group that has been subject to recent revisionary work for the Nearctic fauna north of Mexico. Assassin flies in this genus, like other Asilidae, function as aerial predators of other arthropods.
Scathophaga intermedia
Scathophaga intermedia is a species of dung fly in the family Scathophagidae, first described by Walker in 1849. The genus Scathophaga contains predatory flies commonly associated with dung and other organic matter. As a member of this genus, S. intermedia likely shares the family's characteristic biology of larval development in dung and predatory adult behavior, though species-specific details remain poorly documented in available sources.
Scathophaga stercoraria
yellow dung fly, golden dung fly
Scathophaga stercoraria, commonly known as the yellow dung fly or golden dung fly, is a widespread and abundant dipteran species found across the Northern Hemisphere. Adults are sexually dimorphic: males display bright golden-yellow coloration with orange-yellow fur on the front legs, while females are duller with green-brown tinges and lack the brightly colored leg fur. The species is strongly associated with the dung of large mammals, where it breeds and where males establish territories to intercept females. Adults are predatory, feeding on smaller insects and occasionally nectar, while larvae are coprophagous, developing within dung. The species has become an important model organism in evolutionary biology, particularly for studies of sexual selection, sperm competition, and life history evolution.
Sciapus platypterus
Sciapus platypterus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae. The species was first described by Fabricius in 1805 under the basionym Dolichopus platypterus. It occurs across the Palearctic region with confirmed records from Belgium. As a member of Dolichopodidae, it belongs to a family known for predatory habits and distinctive elongated legs.
Scleropogon cinerascens
Scleropogon cinerascens is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Back in 1909. Originally described as Stenopogon cinerascens, it was later transferred to the genus Scleropogon. Robber flies are predatory insects known for their robust build, large eyes, and raptorial legs adapted for capturing prey in flight. The specific epithet 'cinerascens' refers to an ash-grey or ashen coloration, likely describing the species' appearance. As with other Asilidae, this species is presumed to be an active aerial predator of other insects.
Scleropogon coyote
Scleropogon coyote is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Bromley in 1931. The genus Scleropogon comprises predatory flies characterized by their distinctive elongated morphology and aggressive hunting behavior. As a member of this genus, S. coyote likely exhibits the typical asilid predatory lifestyle, though specific biological details remain poorly documented in available literature.
Scleropogon dispar
Scleropogon dispar is a species of robber fly (Diptera: Asilidae) described by Bromley in 1937. The genus Scleropogon belongs to a diverse family of predatory flies known for their aggressive hunting behavior. Very little specific information is documented about this particular species.
Scleropogon floridensis
Scleropogon floridensis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Bromley in 1951. The genus Scleropogon comprises predatory flies characterized by their elongated bodies and distinctive leg morphology. This species is part of a group of asilids that inhabit sandy or scrub environments. As with other robber flies, it is presumed to be an aerial predator of other insects, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Scleropogon huachucanus
Scleropogon huachucanus is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Hardy in 1942. The specific epithet references the Huachuca Mountains of Arizona, suggesting a southwestern U.S. distribution. Like other Asilidae, this species is presumed to be a predatory fly, though specific behavioral and ecological details remain poorly documented. The genus Scleropogon is characterized by distinctive morphological features including a bearded face and elongated body form.
Scleropogon neglectus
Scleropogon neglectus is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) in the genus Scleropogon. The species was described by Bromley in 1931, originally placed in the genus Stenopogon. Robber flies in this genus are characterized by their distinctive elongated, beak-like proboscis used for capturing and subduing prey. The genus Scleropogon is notable among Asilidae for its specialized morphology and predatory habits.
Scleropogon picticornis
Scleropogon picticornis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, a group of predatory true flies known for their aggressive hunting behavior. The species was described by Hermann Loew in 1866. Like other Asilidae, it possesses a stout body, strong legs with spines for capturing prey, and a distinctive concave facial profile between the eyes. The specific epithet 'picticornis' refers to the painted or marked antennae characteristic of this species.
Scleropogon subulatus
Scleropogon subulatus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Wiedemann in 1828. It belongs to the genus Scleropogon, a group of predatory flies known for their distinctive elongated mouthparts and ambush hunting behavior. The species is part of the diverse Asilidae family, which contains approximately 7,000 described species worldwide. Available observation records indicate this species has been documented in multiple locations, though detailed ecological studies remain limited.
Scleropogon texanus
Scleropogon texanus is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) originally described by Bromley in 1931. The species has been reclassified under the genus Stenopogon in some taxonomic treatments, though it remains listed under Scleropogon in other sources. Robber flies in this group are predatory insects known for their active hunting behavior. Specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented in available literature.
Sintoria cyanea
Sintoria cyanea is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Wilcox in 1972. As a member of the diverse robber fly family, it belongs to a group of predatory flies known for their aggressive hunting behavior and stout, powerful build. The genus Sintoria is part of the Asilidae, one of the largest families within Diptera with over 7,000 described species worldwide.
Sintoria emeralda
Sintoria emeralda is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Hull in 1962. The specific epithet 'emeralda' suggests a green coloration. As a member of Asilidae, this species is a predatory fly. Information regarding its biology, distribution, and ecology remains extremely limited in published sources.
Spaziphora cincta
Spaziphora cincta is a species of dung fly in the family Scathophagidae, first described by Loew in 1863 under the basionym Cordilura cincta. The species belongs to a genus whose members are associated with dung and decomposing organic matter. Like other scathophagid flies, adults are predatory while larvae develop in dung.
Stenopogon
Stenopogon is a large genus of robber flies in the family Asilidae, comprising at least 200 described species. Members of this genus belong to the subfamily Stenopogoninae and are distributed across multiple continents. The genus was established by Loew in 1847 and represents a diverse assemblage of predatory flies that share certain morphological and behavioral characteristics.
Stenopogon breviusculus
Stenopogon breviusculus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, subfamily Stenopogoninae. It was described by Loew in 1872. As a member of the Stenopogoninae, it belongs to a group of generally small to medium-sized robber flies. Very few specific observations or biological details have been published for this particular species.
Stenopogon californiae
Stenopogon californiae is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, subfamily Stenopogoninae. First described by Francis Walker in 1849, this species belongs to a genus of relatively small, predatory flies. Robber flies in this subfamily are characterized by their slender bodies and distinctive predatory behavior. Like other asilids, they are aerial predators that capture other insects in flight.
Stenopogon engelhardti
Stenopogon engelhardti is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) in the subfamily Stenopogoninae, described by Bromley in 1937. The genus Stenopogon belongs to a diverse group of predatory flies characterized by their aerial hunting behavior. Very little specific information is documented about this particular species beyond its taxonomic description.
Stenopogon inquinatus
Stenopogon inquinatus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, subfamily Stenopogoninae. It has been studied for its behavioral thermoregulation in response to thermal variation. As a member of the Asilidae, it is presumed to be an aerial predator of other insects, though specific prey records for this species are not documented in the available sources.
Stenopogon lomae
Stenopogon lomae is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Wilcox in 1971. As a member of the subfamily Stenopogoninae, it belongs to a group of generally small to medium-sized predatory flies. The genus Stenopogon is primarily distributed in western North America. Very little specific information is documented about this particular species.
Stenopogon obispae
Stenopogon obispae is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Wilcox in 1971. As a member of the genus Stenopogon, it belongs to a group of predatory flies known for their aggressive hunting behavior. The species is documented from limited observations, with eight records currently available. Beyond its taxonomic placement, specific biological details remain poorly documented in published literature.
Stenopogon tolandi
Stenopogon tolandi is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, subfamily Stenopogoninae, described by Wilcox in 1971. As a member of the genus Stenopogon, it belongs to a group of relatively small robber flies. The genus Stenopogon is part of the diverse Asilidae family, whose members are predatory flies known for their agile flight and piercing-sucking mouthparts used to capture other insects. No specific observations of this species have been documented in the provided sources.
Symphoromyia sackeni
Symphoromyia sackeni is a species of snipe fly in the family Rhagionidae, first described by Aldrich in 1915. The species belongs to the subfamily Spaniinae and is classified within the genus Symphoromyia. Like other snipe flies, adults are predatory and typically associated with moist habitats. The species name honors Osten Sacken, a prominent 19th-century dipterist.
Syneches rufus
Syneches rufus is a species of hybotid dance fly (family Hybotidae), a group of small predatory flies known for their distinctive dancing flight behavior. The species was described by Loew in 1861 and is known to occur in the United States. As a member of the Hybotidae, it likely shares the family's characteristic predatory habits, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited.
Systenus albimanus
Systenus albimanus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Wirth in 1952. It belongs to the subfamily Medeterinae, a group of small to medium-sized predatory flies commonly found in moist habitats. The species is characterized by its distinctive white fore tarsi, referenced in its specific epithet 'albimanus' (white hand). Like other dolichopodids, it is presumed to be predatory as both adult and larval stages, though specific ecological studies on this species are limited.
Systenus eucercus
Systenus eucercus is a species of long-legged fly (Dolichopodidae) described by Steyskal in 1970. It belongs to the subfamily Medeterinae, a group characterized by slender bodies and elongated legs. The genus Systenus is distributed across the Holarctic region, with species often associated with moist terrestrial habitats. As with most dolichopodids, adults are predatory and contribute to insect population control in their ecosystems.
Tabuda planiceps
Tabuda planiceps is a species of stiletto fly in the family Therevidae, originally described as Xestomyza planiceps by Loew in 1872. The species belongs to a genus of slender, predatory flies characterized by their elongated body form and distinctive wing venation. Members of the genus Tabuda are found in the Nearctic region, with T. planiceps representing one of the better-documented species in this group of lower brachyceran flies.
Tabuda varia
Tabuda varia is a species of stiletto fly in the family Therevidae, first described by Francis Walker in 1848. Stiletto flies are predatory insects characterized by their slender bodies and distinctive wing venation. The genus Tabuda is part of the diverse Therevidae family, which contains over 1,000 described species worldwide. Information specific to the biology and ecology of T. varia remains limited in the available literature.
Tachytrechus angustipennis
Tachytrechus angustipennis is a predatory long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae. It has been recorded across much of the United States, from California and Utah to the eastern seaboard, and extends into the Neotropical realm and the Hawaiian Islands. Adults are known to inhabit algal mats in geothermal environments, notably at Yellowstone National Park. The species exhibits territorial behavior in males and preys primarily on Paracoenia eggs and larvae.
Tachytrechus dilaticosta
Tachytrechus dilaticosta is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, first described by Van Duzee in 1927. The genus Tachytrechus belongs to a diverse family of small predatory flies known for their metallic coloration and agile flight. Like other dolichopodids, members of this genus are active predators on other small insects. The species is rarely recorded, with minimal observational data available.
Tachytrechus floridensis
Tachytrechus floridensis is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Aldrich in 1896. The genus Tachytrechus belongs to the diverse subfamily Dolichopodinae, which includes small to medium-sized predatory flies often found in sunny habitats. Members of this genus share the family's characteristic metallic coloration and elongated legs. The specific epithet "floridensis" indicates a connection to Florida, though detailed natural history information for this particular species remains limited in available sources.
Tachytrechus sanus
Tachytrechus sanus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Osten Sacken in 1877. As a member of this diverse family, it shares the characteristic elongated legs and predatory habits typical of dolichopodids. The genus Tachytrechus is known for species that inhabit ground-level and open habitats rather than aquatic environments.
Taracticus
Rainbow Robbers
Taracticus is a genus of robber flies in the family Asilidae, commonly known as Rainbow Robbers. The genus was established by Loew in 1872 and contains approximately 16 described species. These predatory flies are part of the diverse Asilidae family, which is known for aggressive hunting behavior. The common name 'Rainbow Robbers' suggests distinctive coloration, though specific traits vary among species.
Taracticus octopunctatus
Eight-spotted Rainbow Robber
Taracticus octopunctatus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. It is commonly known as the Eight-spotted Rainbow Robber. The species was first described by Thomas Say in 1823, originally placed in the genus Dioctria as Dioctria 8-punctata. It is found in the eastern United States.
Thereva bakeri
Thereva bakeri is a species of stiletto fly in the family Therevidae, described by Cole in 1923. Stiletto flies are predatory insects in the order Diptera, characterized by their distinctive elongated mouthparts. The species is part of the diverse genus Thereva, which contains numerous species across multiple continents. Limited specific information is available for this particular species.
Thereva comata
Thereva comata is a species of stiletto fly in the family Therevidae, order Diptera. It belongs to a family of predatory flies commonly known for their slender bodies and distinctive wing venation. The species was described by Loew in 1869.