Robber-fly
Guides
Ablautus arnaudi
Ablautus arnaudi is a small species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Wilcox in 1966. Adults measure approximately 6–7 millimeters in length. The species exhibits sand-colored cryptic coloration and displays distinctive sexual dimorphism in facial hair coloration. Males possess bright white facial hairs and engage in elaborate courtship displays involving leg-waving and rocking movements. Like all Asilidae, this species is predatory in both adult and larval stages.
Asilidaerobber-flypredatorysexual-dimorphismcourtshipearly-springsand-coloredcrypticleafhopper-predatormystaxfacial-hair-dimorphismextra-oral-digestionvenomoussit-and-wait-predatorplains-habitatsmall-size6-7-mmwhite-facial-hairs-malegold-facial-hairs-femaleleg-waving-displayrocking-displayWilcox-1966Ablautus-revisionCharlotte-Herbert-AlbertsColoradoeastern-plainsAblautus basini
Great Basin Prospector
Ablautus basini is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Wilcox in 1966. It belongs to a genus of small, sand-colored predatory flies that are active in early spring. Members of the genus Ablautus are known for elaborate courtship rituals and prey on insects smaller than themselves, including leafhoppers. The species is associated with the Great Basin region of North America.
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 flavipes
Yellow-legged Prospector
Ablautus flavipes is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Yellow-legged Prospector. Robber flies are predatory insects known for their aerial hunting abilities. The specific epithet flavipes refers to yellow legs, a characteristic feature of this species.
Ablautus linsleyi
Linsley Prospector
Ablautus linsleyi is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Wilcox in 1966. The genus Ablautus comprises small, sand-colored predatory flies that are often difficult to observe due to their cryptic coloration. Members of this genus are active in spring and are known for elaborate courtship behaviors. The specific epithet honors E. Gorton Linsley, a prominent American coleopterist.
Ablautus mimus
Arizona Prospector
Ablautus mimus is a small robber fly (family Asilidae) native to arid regions of western and southwestern North America. Adults measure approximately 6–7 millimeters and exhibit sand-colored camouflage. The species has been documented in association with sandy soils in sagebrush habitats and shows documented mimicry of Lestomyia sabulonum, another small fly species sharing its habitat. It is also known to occur alongside Cyrtopogon ablautoides in sandy desert regions.
Ablautus rufotibialis
Texas Prospector
Ablautus rufotibialis is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Back in 1909. Like other members of the genus Ablautus, it is a small predatory dipteran. The species epithet 'rufotibialis' refers to reddish coloration on the tibiae. Robber flies in this genus are active in early spring and exhibit distinctive courtship behaviors.
Ablautus trifarius
Loew Prospector
Ablautus trifarius is a small robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Loew in 1866. Adults measure approximately 6–7 millimeters and are sand-colored, making them difficult to detect in their natural environment. The species is predatory in both larval and adult stages, preying on insects smaller than themselves such as leafhoppers. Males exhibit distinctive courtship behavior involving aerial displays, leg-waving, and rocking movements.
Ablautus vanduzeei
Spot-winged Prospector
Ablautus vanduzeei is a small species of robber fly (family Asilidae) measuring approximately 6–7 millimeters in length. Adults are sand-colored and somewhat difficult to see, making them cryptic in their preferred open, sandy habitats. Males are slightly smaller and more slender than females, with bright white facial hairs; females have gold or ochre-colored facial hairs. The species is known from 18 observations on iNaturalist and is part of the genus Ablautus, which is currently undergoing taxonomic revision.
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.
Andrenosoma corallium
Andrenosoma corallium is a robber fly species in the family Asilidae, subfamily Laphriinae, described by Martin in 1966. Like other members of the subfamily Laphriinae, its larvae are presumed to prey on wood-boring beetle larvae, particularly those in families Buprestidae and Cerambycidae. The genus Andrenosoma reaches its greatest diversity in the Neotropics, with most North American species restricted to Texas and the western United States.
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.
Andrenosoma fulvicaudum
Northern Chiselmouth
Andrenosoma fulvicaudum is a robber fly (family Asilidae) in the subfamily Laphriinae, distributed across most of North America. Adults measure 15–20 mm and are characterized by distinctive reddish-brown terminal abdominal segments contrasting with blue-black anterior segments. The species is associated with dry, sandy habitats and dead wood, where adults perch on sunlit tree trunks and logs to hunt small insects. Larvae develop as predators of wood-boring beetle larvae.
Andrenosoma hesperium
Golden-horned Chiselmouth
Andrenosoma hesperium is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, subfamily Laphriinae. Described by Martin in 1966, this western North American species is one of six Andrenosoma species occurring in North America, with four species restricted to Texas, one to eastern North America (A. fulvicaudum), and A. hesperium occurring only in the western United States. Like other laphriine robber flies, its larvae are predators of wood-boring beetle larvae.
Andrenosoma xanthocnemum
Texas Chiselmouth
A species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, subfamily Laphriinae. Like other members of its subfamily, larvae are predators of wood-boring beetle larvae. The genus Andrenosoma reaches its greatest diversity in the Neotropics, with A. xanthocnemum being one of several species restricted to Texas and the western United States.
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.
Apachekolos tenuipes
Thin-legged Pixie
Apachekolos tenuipes is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Thin-legged Pixie. It is a predatory dipteran that hunts other insects in flight. The species was first described by Hermann Loew in 1862 under the name Leptogaster tenuipes. Based on iNaturalist records, it has been documented in at least 39 observations.
Apachekolos weslacensis
Weslaco Pixie
Apachekolos weslacensis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, originally described from Texas in 1951. The species is known by the common name "Weslaco Pixie." It belongs to the genus Apachekolos, a small group of asilid flies distributed in North America. Very little published information exists regarding its biology or ecology.
Archilestris
robber fly
Archilestris is a genus of robber flies (family Asilidae) containing approximately six described species. These flies are notable within the family for their vivid, aposematic or mimetic coloration, particularly in species such as A. magnificus. The genus belongs to the subfamily Dasypogoninae and has been documented in Mexico with recent range extensions recorded. Species within this genus are among the candidates for most impressive robber flies due to their striking appearance.
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.
Asilus
Hornet robberfly
Asilus is a genus of robber flies (family Asilidae) established by Linnaeus in 1758, containing at least 150 described species. The genus includes some of the largest robber flies in the Palearctic region, with Asilus crabroniformis being the largest fly species in the United Kingdom. Members of this genus are predatory insects known for their powerful flight, large compound eyes, and habit of capturing other insects in mid-air.
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.
Atomosia
Micropanthers
Atomosia is a genus of robber flies (family Asilidae) established by Macquart in 1838. The genus contains at least 60 described species, commonly referred to as "Micropanthers." Members are predatory flies that capture other insects in flight. The genus is distributed in North America, with records from the United States including Vermont.
Atomosia arkansensis
Atomosia arkansensis is a species of robber fly (Asilidae) described by Barnes in 2008. The species name indicates its association with Arkansas, where it was first documented. As a member of the diverse Asilidae family, it is a predatory fly, though specific details of its biology remain limited in published literature.
Atomosia glabrata
Ringed Micropanther
Atomosia glabrata is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Ringed Micropanther. It is found in the United States and shows a strong ecological association with recently burned prairie habitat. Like other robber flies, it is a predatory insect that captures prey in flight.
Atomosia mucida
Atomosia mucida is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Osten Sacken in 1887. Robber flies in this genus are predatory insects that capture other arthropods in flight. The species belongs to a diverse group of aerial predators within the Diptera.
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.
Atomosia tibialis
Atomosia tibialis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Macquart in 1846. Robber flies are predatory dipterans known for their aerial hunting abilities and robust morphology. The specific epithet "tibialis" suggests a distinctive characteristic of the tibiae (leg segments), though the precise nature of this trait requires original description examination. As a member of the genus Atomosia, this species belongs to a group of relatively small to medium-sized asilids.
Atomosiella
Atomosiella is a genus of robber flies (Diptera: Asilidae) described by Wilcox in 1937. Its taxonomic status is uncertain; it is treated as a synonym of Amathomyia in Catalogue of Life and marked as doubtful in GBIF. The genus belongs to the diverse family of predatory Asilidae, though specific biological information about Atomosiella itself is not documented in available sources.
Atomosiella antennata
Metallic Micropanther
Atomosiella antennata is a small robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Banks in 1920. It is known from only three observations on iNaturalist, indicating it is rarely encountered or poorly documented. The common name "Metallic Micropanther" suggests distinctive metallic coloration. As a member of the Asilidae, it is a predatory fly, though specific prey and behavioral details for this species remain undocumented.
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 disfascia
White-sided Pixie
Beameromyia disfascia is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Martin in 1957. It belongs to the genus Beameromyia, a group of small, often brightly colored robber flies commonly known as 'pixies.' The species is known from very few observations, with only three records documented on iNaturalist. As with other Asilidae, it is presumed to be a predatory fly, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
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.
Beameromyia pictipes
Painted Pixie
Beameromyia pictipes is a small robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Painted Pixie. This species belongs to a genus characterized by diminutive size among robber flies. The species was described by Hermann Loew in 1862. Available records indicate it is rarely encountered, with limited observational data.
Beameromyia punicea
Purple Pixie
Beameromyia punicea is a species of robber fly described by Martin in 1957. The common name "Purple Pixie" refers to its diminutive size and coloration. Like other members of the Asilidae family, it is a predatory fly. The species belongs to a genus endemic to western North America.