Robber-fly
Guides
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 hesperis
Leptogaster hesperis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Martin in 1957. It belongs to the subfamily Leptogastrinae, a group characterized by slender, elongated bodies and distinctive predatory habits. The species name 'hesperis' refers to the western regions, suggesting a western North American distribution. Like other Leptogaster species, it is likely an aerial predator of small insects. Specific ecological details remain poorly documented due to limited study.
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 lerneri
Leptogaster lerneri is a species of robber fly described by Curran in 1953. It belongs to the genus Leptogaster, a group of small, slender robber flies characterized by their elongated bodies and distinctive predatory behavior. The species is part of the subfamily Leptogastrinae, which comprises some of the most gracile members of the Asilidae family.
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 obscuripennis
Leptogaster obscuripennis is a species of robber fly described by Johnson in 1895. It belongs to the subfamily Leptogastrinae, characterized by slender, elongate bodies and distinctive predatory habits. The species name 'obscuripennis' refers to darkened wing coloration. Like other members of its genus, it is an aerial predator of small insects.
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 parvoclava
Leptogaster parvoclava is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Martin in 1957. It belongs to the subfamily Leptogastrinae, a group characterized by slender, elongate bodies and long legs adapted for capturing prey in flight. The species epithet "parvoclava" refers to the small clubbed structure of a particular morphological feature. As with other members of Leptogaster, this species likely inhabits grassy or open vegetation habitats where it perches on stems to hunt.
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.
Lestomyia unicolor
Lestomyia unicolor is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Charles Howard Curran in 1942. It belongs to the subfamily Dasypogoninae, a group of predatory flies known for their aggressive hunting behavior. The specific epithet 'unicolor' suggests uniform coloration, though detailed descriptions of the species remain limited in available literature. As a member of the Asilidae, it is presumed to be an aerial predator of other insects, but species-specific biological data are sparse.
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 callidus
robber fly
Machimus callidus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, originally described by Williston in 1893 under the genus Asilus. The species was later transferred to Machimus. Robber flies in this genus are predatory insects known for their aerial hunting behavior.
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 latipex
Machimus latipex is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. Robber flies are predatory insects known for their aerial hunting abilities. The genus Machimus is widespread in the Northern Hemisphere and contains numerous similar-looking species. Specific details about M. latipex remain limited in published literature.
Machimus notatus
Black-thighed Bladetail
Machimus notatus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Black-thighed Bladetail. As a member of the predatory asilid flies, it hunts other insects in flight. The species has been documented in the northeastern United States, including Vermont.
Machimus novaescotiae
Nova Scotia Bladetail
Machimus novaescotiae is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Nova Scotia Bladetail. It is a predatory dipteran endemic to northeastern North America. The species was described by Macquart in 1847. Like other members of the genus Machimus, it is presumed to be an active aerial predator of other insects.
Machimus paropus
Black-spined Bladetail
Machimus paropus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Black-spined Bladetail. It belongs to the large genus Machimus, which contains predatory flies distributed across the Northern Hemisphere. The species was first described by Francis Walker in 1849. As a member of Asilidae, it exhibits the predatory habits characteristic of robber flies, though specific details of its biology remain poorly documented.
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.
Mallophora
Bee-killers
Mallophora is a genus of large, robust robber flies (family Asilidae) commonly known as bee-killers. The genus contains approximately 60 described species distributed primarily in the Americas. Adults are powerful aerial predators that capture bees and other insects in flight, while larvae of at least some species are solitary ectoparasitoids of scarab beetle larvae (white grubs) in soil. Mallophora ruficauda, the best-studied species, is a significant pest of apiculture in the Pampas region of Argentina, where adults prey on honey bees, yet the same species functions as a beneficial biological control agent of agricultural pests through its larval parasitism of scarab grubs.
Mallophora atra
Black Bee-Killer, Black Bee Killer
Mallophora atra, commonly known as the black bee-killer, is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. It is found across much of Brazil, with records from 19 states including Amazonas, Pará, São Paulo, and Rio Grande do Sul. As a member of the genus Mallophora, it is a large, powerful predatory fly known for capturing and feeding on bees and other insects. The species was first described by Macquart in 1834.
Mallophora bomboides
Florida Bee-Killer, Florida bee killer
Mallophora bomboides is a predatory robber fly (family Asilidae) native to the southeastern United States. It is notable for its specialized predation on bumblebees and its remarkable Batesian mimicry of its prey, particularly Bombus pensylvanicus. The species has been extensively studied as a classic example of mimicry, with experimental work demonstrating that predators learn to avoid the unpalatable bumblebee model and consequently avoid the palatable fly mimic. Adults are active from spring through late fall, with peak abundance in late summer.
Mallophora fautrix
Mallophora fautrix is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. It belongs to a genus known for effective bumble bee mimicry, with species often exhibiting hairy bodies and distinctive antennal structures. The species was described by Osten Sacken in 1887. Like other Mallophora species, it is presumed to be a predatory fly, though specific ecological details for this species are not well documented in available sources.
Mallophora orcina
Southern Bee-Killer
Mallophora orcina, commonly known as the southern bee killer, is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. This species is a notable bumble bee mimic, using its hairy appearance and coloration to resemble its hymenopteran prey. As a member of the genus Mallophora, it shares characteristics with other bee-mimicking robber flies but can be distinguished by specific morphological features. The species is part of a guild of predatory flies that actively hunt other insects in flight.
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 clausicellus
Megaphorus clausicellus is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) originally described by Macquart in 1850 under the name Mallophora clausicella. Robber flies in this genus are predatory and typically associated with open, dry habitats. The species has been documented in the western United States, with observations from Nevada and other Great Basin localities. Like other members of the genus Megaphorus, adults are presumed to be aerial predators 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 amargosae
Metapogon amargosae is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Wilcox in 1972. It belongs to the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae, a group characterized by reduced wing venation and generally small to medium body size. The specific epithet references the Amargosa region, suggesting a geographic association with desert environments in the southwestern United States. Like other asilids, it is presumed to be an aerial predator, though direct observations of its biology remain limited.
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.
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.
Microstylum morosum
Giant Prairie Robber Fly
Microstylum morosum is the largest robber fly in North America, with body lengths reaching 35–50 mm. The species was long considered endemic to Texas until range extensions were documented into Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri, and southwestern states. It inhabits prairie and grassland ecosystems, where adults are active predators. The species exhibits distinctive emerald-green eyes and a relatively hairless, streamlined body compared to other large asilids.
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.