Robber-fly
Guides
Blepharepium
Blepharepium is a genus of robber flies (Asilidae) established by Rondani in 1848, comprising approximately 15 described species. As members of the diverse predatory family Asilidae, these flies are aerial predators of other insects. The genus has been documented through 418 iNaturalist observations, though specific species-level details remain limited in publicly available sources.
Blepharepium sonorensis
Sonora Hanging Thief
Blepharepium sonorensis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Sonora Hanging Thief. It was described by Papavero & Bernardi in 1973. The species belongs to the genus Blepharepium, which is characterized by distinctive predatory behaviors typical of robber flies. As with other Asilidae, this species is likely an aerial predator of other insects. Very few observations of this species have been recorded, with only 3 documented observations in iNaturalist as of the available data.
Bohartia bromleyi
Nevada Longhorn Robber
Bohartia bromleyi is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Hull in 1958. It belongs to the genus Bohartia, a small group of longhorn robber flies characterized by elongated antennae. The species is endemic to the western United States. Like other Asilidae, it is presumed to be an aerial predator of other insects.
Bohartia isabella
Sierra Longhorn Robber
Bohartia isabella is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Adisoemarto and Wood in 1975. The species is known by the common name 'Sierra Longhorn Robber'. As a member of the Asilidae family, it belongs to a group of predatory flies known for their aggressive hunting behavior and powerful flight. Very little specific information about this species has been documented in the provided sources.
Bohartia martini
Brown Longhorn Robber
Bohartia martini is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described in 1975 by Adisoemarto and Wood. It belongs to a genus named in honor of the entomologist Richard M. Bohart. As a member of the Asilidae family, it is presumed to share the predatory habits characteristic of robber flies, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented. The species is recognized as valid and accepted in major taxonomic databases.
Bohartia nitor
White-haired Longhorn Robber
Bohartia tenuis
Slender Longhorn Robber
Bohartia tenuis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Adisoemarto and Wood in 1975. The species belongs to a genus of slender, longhorn-like robber flies. The common name "Slender Longhorn Robber" reflects its elongated body form. As with other Asilidae, it is a predatory fly, though specific details of its biology remain poorly documented.
Bromleyus flavidorsus
Bromleyus flavidorsus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Hardy in 1945. The genus Bromleyus is endemic to Australia and contains relatively few described species. As with other Asilidae, this species is presumed to be a predatory fly, though specific ecological details remain undocumented in published literature. The species epithet 'flavidorsus' refers to a yellowish dorsal coloration.
Ceraturgus cornutus
Ceraturgus cornutus is a species of robber fly (Diptera: Asilidae) native to North America. It was designated as the type species for the resurrected subgenus Ceraturgopsis in a 2008 taxonomic review. The species is part of the diverse asilid fauna of the eastern United States and Canada.
Ceraturgus cruciatus
Ceraturgus cruciatus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1823. The species was historically confused with C. fasciatus, which was resurrected from synonymy in a 2008 taxonomic revision. As a member of the genus Ceraturgus, it belongs to a group of predatory flies characterized by distinctive morphological features. The species has been recorded from the northeastern United States, including Vermont.
Ceraturgus fasciatus
Banded Tiger Fly
Ceraturgus fasciatus is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) found in the eastern United States and Canada. The species was resurrected from synonymy with Ceraturgus cruciatus in a 2008 taxonomic review. As a member of the Asilidae, it is a predatory fly, though specific prey records and detailed natural history for this species remain poorly documented.
Ceraturgus johnsoni
Ceraturgus johnsoni is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Martin in 1965. It belongs to the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae and tribe Ceraturgini. As with other members of the genus Ceraturgus, this species is likely a predatory insect, though specific biological details remain poorly documented in available sources.
Ceraturgus similis
Ceraturgus similis is a species of robber fly (Asilidae) described by Johnson in 1912. It belongs to the tribe Ceraturgini within the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae. The genus Ceraturgus is characterized by distinctive morphological features typical of this robber fly lineage. Available records indicate occurrence in the northeastern United States, specifically Vermont.
Cerotainia macrocera
Yellow-faced Micropanther
Cerotainia macrocera is a small robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Yellow-faced Micropanther. It is one of the smallest North American robber flies, measuring approximately 6–8 mm in length. The species is distinguished by its exceptionally long antennae relative to body size. It belongs to the subfamily Laphriinae, whose larvae prey on wood-boring beetle larvae.
Cerotainiops
Cerotainiops is a small genus of robber flies established by Curran in 1930. The genus comprises approximately six described species distributed in North America. As members of the family Asilidae, these predatory flies hunt other insects in flight. The genus has received limited taxonomic study beyond original species descriptions.
Cerotainiops kernae
Cerotainiops kernae is a species of robber fly (Asilidae) described by Martin in 1959. The genus Cerotainiops contains small, slender robber flies often associated with arid or semi-arid environments. As a member of the Asilidae family, it is presumed to be a predatory insect, though specific behavioral and ecological data for this species remain undocumented in published literature.
Cerotainiops lucyae
Cerotainiops lucyae is a small robber fly (Asilidae) described by Martin in 1959. The genus Cerotainiops belongs to the tribe Cerotainiini, a group of diminutive asilids characterized by reduced wing venation and slender bodies. This species is part of a poorly studied genus with limited published biological information.
Cerotainiops mcclayi
Cerotainiops mcclayi is a species of robber fly (Family Asilidae) described by Martin in 1959. The genus Cerotainiops contains small, slender robber flies often associated with sandy or open habitats. Members of this genus are characterized by their elongated body form and reduced wing venation compared to larger asilid genera. This species is part of a group of diminutive robber flies that are frequently overlooked due to their small size and cryptic behavior.
Coleomyia
Coleomyia is a genus of robber flies in the family Asilidae, established by Wilcox & Martin in 1935. The genus contains eight described species, all found in North America. These predatory flies are part of a diverse family known for their aggressive hunting behavior.
Coleomyia alticola
Coleomyia alticola is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by James in 1941. The specific epithet 'alticola' suggests a high-altitude habitat association. As a member of the Asilidae, it belongs to a family of predatory flies known for their aerial hunting behavior. Very few observations of this species have been recorded.
Coleomyia rainieri
Coleomyia rainieri is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Wilcox & Martin in 1935. The genus Coleomyia is a small group within the diverse Asilidae, which are predatory flies known for their aggressive hunting behavior. No specific ecological or behavioral studies have been documented for this species.
Coleomyia rubida
Coleomyia rubida is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Martin in 1953. The genus Coleomyia belongs to the diverse asilid lineage of predatory flies, commonly known as robber flies for their aggressive hunting behavior. As with other members of this family, C. rubida likely exhibits the characteristic aerial predation and strong flying ability typical of the group. The specific epithet 'rubida' suggests reddish coloration, though this has not been independently verified.
Coleomyia setigera
Coleomyia setigera is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) in the order Diptera. The species was originally described as Metapogon setigerum by Cole in 1919 before being transferred to the genus Coleomyia. As a member of the Asilidae family, it is a predatory fly. The species has been documented through a limited number of observations (15 records in iNaturalist as of source date).
Comantella fallei
Comantella fallei is a small to medium-sized robber fly (10-15 mm) found in California and Colorado. Adults are active in early spring and late fall, an unusual seasonal pattern for Asilidae. The species is distinguished by a humpbacked profile, a slender spur on the front tibia, and a distinctive "Mohawk" mane of hairs on the thorax. One observation documents predation on a small wolf spider (Pardosa).
Comantella pacifica
Comantella pacifica is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Curran in 1926. It is one of four recognized species in the genus Comantella, which is characterized by unusual seasonal activity patterns and distinctive morphological features. The species is found in western North America from British Columbia south to Nevada and Utah. Adults are active in early spring and late fall, an unusual pattern among robber flies.
Cophura albosetosa
Cophura albosetosa is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Hine in 1908. It is currently considered a synonym of Cophura scitula. The genus Cophura belongs to the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae, a group of predatory flies known for their agile flight and ambush hunting behavior. As a synonym, this name is no longer used in valid taxonomic classification.
Cophura arizonensis
Cophura arizonensis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Schäffer in 1916. As a member of the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae, it belongs to a diverse group of predatory flies known for their aggressive hunting behavior. The species epithet indicates an association with Arizona, suggesting this region as part of its core range. Robber flies in this genus are generally medium-sized predators that hunt from perches.
Cophura bella
Cophura bella is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Hermann Loew in 1872. The species belongs to the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae and is placed in the genus Cophura. Very little specific information has been published regarding its biology, ecology, or distribution. Records in iNaturalist indicate at least 12 observations of this species, suggesting it is documented in nature but not extensively studied.
Cophura brevicornis
Cophura brevicornis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Williston in 1883 under the basionym Taracticus brevicornis. The genus Cophura belongs to the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae, a group of predatory flies known for their robust build and aerial hunting abilities. This species is part of a diverse assemblage of Asilidae that occupy various habitats across North America.
Cophura clausa
Cophura clausa is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, subfamily Brachyrhopalinae. It was described by Coquillett in 1893. The genus Cophura is part of a diverse group of predatory flies commonly known as robber flies or assassin flies, which are characterized by their stout bodies, strong legs for capturing prey, and piercing-sucking mouthparts. Beyond its taxonomic placement, little specific biological information has been documented for this particular species.
Cophura dammersi
Cophura dammersi is a species of robber fly (Asilidae) described by Wilcox in 1965. As a member of the genus Cophura, it belongs to a group of predatory flies characterized by their robust build and predatory habits. The species appears to be poorly documented in public sources, with no observations recorded on iNaturalist as of the available data. Like other Asilidae, it is presumed to be an aerial predator of other insects.
Cophura daphne
Cophura daphne is a species of robber fly described by Pritchard in 1943. It belongs to the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae within the family Asilidae, a group of predatory flies known for their aggressive hunting behavior. The species is accepted in taxonomic databases but appears to have minimal observational records.
Cophura fergusoni
Cophura fergusoni is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Wilcox in 1965. It belongs to the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae and is one of multiple species within the genus Cophura. As a member of the Asilidae, it is presumed to be a predatory insect, though specific details of its biology remain undocumented in available sources.
Cophura hennei
Cophura hennei is a species of robber fly (Asilidae) described by Wilcox & Martin in 1945. As a member of the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae, it belongs to a group characterized by reduced wing venation and compact body forms. The genus Cophura contains small to medium-sized predatory flies distributed primarily in the New World. Specific biological details for C. hennei remain poorly documented in published literature.
Cophura hesperia
Cophura hesperia is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Pritchard in 1935. It belongs to the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae, a group characterized by relatively short antennae and often subdued coloration compared to other asilid subfamilies. The genus Cophura is distributed across western North America, with species typically associated with arid and semi-arid habitats.
Cophura pollinosa
Cophura pollinosa is a species of robber fly described by Charles Howard Curran in 1930. It belongs to the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae within the family Asilidae, a diverse group of predatory flies known for their aggressive hunting behavior. The specific epithet "pollinosa" refers to a dusted or pollen-covered appearance, though detailed morphological descriptions are limited in available literature.
Cophura powersi
Cophura powersi is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Wilcox in 1965. The species was named in honor of entomologist Jack Powers, who collected the type specimens in the Dakotas. It belongs to a genus of robber flies that are primarily found in western North America.
Cophura pulchella
Cophura pulchella is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Williston in 1901. It belongs to the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae, a group characterized by relatively small size and distinctive morphological features. The genus Cophura is part of the diverse asilid fauna of North America.
Cophura rozeni
Cophura rozeni 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. The species is part of the genus Cophura, which contains approximately 50 described species distributed primarily in the Americas.
Cophura scitula
Cophura scitula is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, subfamily Brachyrhopalinae. The species was described by Samuel Wendell Williston in 1883. As a member of Asilidae, it is a predatory fly, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented in available literature. The genus Cophura contains multiple species distributed primarily in North America.
Cophura sculleni
Cophura sculleni is a species of robber fly (Asilidae) described by Wilcox in 1937. It belongs to the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae, a group characterized by relatively short antennae. The species is part of the genus Cophura, which contains approximately 30 species distributed primarily in North America. Very few observations of this species have been documented.
Cophura tanbarki
Cophura tanbarki is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Wilcox in 1965. It belongs to the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae, a group of relatively small, slender robber flies. Like other members of the genus Cophura, it is likely predatory, though specific natural history details remain poorly documented.
Cophura timberlakei
Cophura timberlakei is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Wilcox in 1965. It belongs to the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae, a group characterized by relatively short antennae. The species is named in honor of P.H. Timberlake, a prominent entomologist associated with the University of California, Riverside, whose extensive collections of bees and wasps formed a major foundation of the UCR Entomology Research Museum holdings. As with other Asilidae, this species is presumed to be a predatory fly, though specific ecological details remain undocumented in the available sources.
Cophura tolandi
Cophura tolandi is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Wilcox in 1959. It belongs to the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae within the large and diverse asilid lineage. The genus Cophura contains multiple North American species, though specific natural history details for C. tolandi remain poorly documented. Like other robber flies, it is presumed to be a predatory insect.
Cophura trunca
Cophura trunca is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Coquillett in 1893. As with other members of the Asilidae, it is a predatory fly that hunts other insects. The specific epithet 'trunca' refers to a truncated or cut-off feature, likely describing some morphological characteristic of the species.
Cophura vanduzeei
Cophura vanduzeei is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) in the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae. The species was described by Wilcox in 1965 and belongs to the genus Cophura, which is part of a diverse lineage of predatory flies. Robber flies are known for their predatory behavior and are important components of insect communities in various habitats.
Cophura vandykei
Cophura vandykei is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Wilcox in 1965. It belongs to the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae. Robber flies are predatory dipterans known for their agile flight and ability to capture other insects in mid-air. The species epithet honors the entomologist H.H. Van Dyke.
Cophura vera
Cophura vera is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) in the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae. It was described by Pritchard in 1935. As with other robber flies, it is a predatory insect that likely hunts other arthropods. The genus Cophura contains multiple species distributed primarily in North America.
Cophura vitripennis
Cophura vitripennis is a species of robber fly (Diptera: Asilidae) in the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae, originally described by Charles Howard Curran in 1927. The species epithet 'vitripennis' (Latin for 'glass-winged') refers to the transparent or hyaline wing condition. As with other Asilidae, this species is presumed to be a predatory insect, though specific biological details remain poorly documented in the available literature. The genus Cophura is part of the diverse robber fly fauna of the Americas.
Cyrtopogon
robber fly
Cyrtopogon is a genus of robber flies in the family Asilidae, comprising at least 120 described species. These predatory flies are opportunistic hunters of small insects, with documented prey spanning 25 families across 7 orders. Males of at least some species perform elaborate courtship displays involving visual signals and specialized structures. The genus exhibits thermoregulatory behaviors including lateral and dorsal basking, and appears dependent on direct sunlight for sustained flight.