Robber-fly
Guides
Heteropogon currani
Heteropogon currani is a robber fly species in the family Asilidae, described by Pritchard in 1935. As a member of the genus Heteropogon, it shares the characteristic predatory habits and distinctive courtship behaviors documented in congeners. The species is part of the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae, a group of generally small to medium-sized asilids. Like other robber flies, adults are predatory on other insects.
Heteropogon divisus
Heteropogon divisus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, subfamily Brachyrhopalinae. The genus Heteropogon comprises small to medium-sized robber flies with distinctive courtship behaviors. Adults are predatory, capturing other insects in flight and feeding on them using piercing-sucking mouthparts. The species was described by Coquillett in 1902.
Heteropogon duncani
Heteropogon duncani is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Wilcox in 1941. As a member of the genus Heteropogon, it belongs to a group of small to medium-sized predatory flies. Robber flies in this genus are known for their distinctive courtship behaviors and perching habits. The species has been documented through limited observations, with 24 records on iNaturalist.
Heteropogon fisheri
Heteropogon fisheri 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. Like other members of the genus Heteropogon, this species is likely a predator of other insects, though specific natural history details remain undocumented.
Heteropogon johnsoni
Heteropogon johnsoni is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, subfamily Brachyrhopalinae. The genus Heteropogon comprises small to medium-sized predatory flies with distinctive courtship behaviors. While specific details about this species are sparse in the provided sources, related species in the genus have been documented to exhibit elaborate aerial courtship displays where males hover before females and use ornamented forelegs to stroke the female's eyes. The species was described by Back in 1904.
Heteropogon macerinus
Heteropogon macerinus is a small robber fly in the family Asilidae, measuring approximately 10 mm in length. The species exhibits distinctive courtship behavior in which males hover before females and stroke their eyeballs with ornamented front tarsi. Adults are predatory, capturing other insects in flight and returning to perches to feed. The species frequents forest edges where it perches conspicuously on twig tips at eye level.
Heteropogon maculinervis
Heteropogon maculinervis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by James in 1937. The genus Heteropogon comprises small to medium-sized predatory flies known for their distinctive courtship behaviors. As with other asilids, adults are aerial predators that capture other insects in flight. The species name 'maculinervis' refers to spotted or marked wing veins.
Heteropogon martini
Heteropogon martini is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Wilcox in 1965. As a member of the genus Heteropogon, it belongs to a group of small to medium-sized predatory flies known for their distinctive courtship behaviors and twig-perching habits. The species is part of the diverse asilid fauna of North America, though specific details about its biology remain poorly documented compared to some congeners.
Heteropogon patruelis
Heteropogon patruelis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Coquillett in 1893. Robber flies in this genus are predatory insects that perch on vegetation to hunt flying insects. The genus Heteropogon is part of the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae, a group characterized by particular morphological features including reduced wing venation. Like other asilids, this species possesses piercing-sucking mouthparts used to subdue prey.
Heteropogon paurosomus
Heteropogon paurosomus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Pritchard in 1935. The genus Heteropogon belongs to the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae. Robber flies in this genus are predatory insects known for their distinctive courtship behaviors. Information specific to H. paurosomus is limited, with only 12 observations recorded on iNaturalist as of the source data.
Heteropogon rubidus
Heteropogon rubidus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Coquillett in 1893. As a member of the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae, it belongs to a diverse group of predatory flies known for their distinctive hunting behavior and piercing-sucking mouthparts. The genus Heteropogon contains multiple species distributed across North America, with related species documented in forest edge habitats.
Heteropogon rubrifasciatus
Heteropogon rubrifasciatus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, subfamily Brachyrhopalinae. The genus Heteropogon comprises small to medium-sized predatory flies known for their distinctive courtship behaviors. Like other asilids, they are aerial predators that capture other insects in flight. This species was described by Bromley in 1931. Very few specific observations of H. rubrifasciatus have been documented, with only 13 records in iNaturalist as of the knowledge cutoff.
Heteropogon wilcoxi
Heteropogon wilcoxi is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by James in 1934. As a member of the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae, it belongs to a group of predatory flies known for their aggressive hunting behavior and distinctive courtship displays. The genus Heteropogon is characterized by males with ornamented fore tarsi used during mating rituals.
Hodophylax
Hodophylax is a genus of robber flies in the family Asilidae, established by James in 1933. The genus contains at least four described species, all found in North America. Like other robber flies, members of this genus are predatory insects. Specific ecological details remain poorly documented due to limited study of this relatively obscure genus.
Hodophylax aridus
Hodophylax aridus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by James in 1933. The species epithet "aridus" suggests an association with arid environments. As a member of the Asilidae, it is a predatory fly. The species is represented by very few observations in biodiversity databases.
Hodophylax halli
Hodophylax halli is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Wilcox in 1961. As a member of the Diptera order, this species belongs to a diverse group of predatory flies known for their aerial hunting abilities. The genus Hodophylax is part of the Asilidae family, which comprises approximately 7,000 species worldwide. Specific biological details for H. halli remain undocumented in available sources.
Hodophylax tolandi
Hodophylax tolandi is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Wilcox in 1961. Robber flies are predatory dipterans characterized by their stout bodies, strong legs, and piercing mouthparts used to capture and subdue prey. This species belongs to the genus Hodophylax, a small group within the diverse Asilidae family. Published records indicate this species is known from limited observations, with iNaturalist documenting only four observations as of the source date.
Holcocephala abdominalis
Golden Goggle Eye
Holcocephala abdominalis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Golden Goggle Eye. This species is characterized by its distinctive eye morphology, with the genus name 'Holcocephala' referring to the hollow or concave head structure. The species has been documented in the northeastern United States, with records from Vermont and other locations. Like other robber flies, it is a predatory insect, though specific prey preferences for this species remain poorly documented.
Holcocephala calva
Gray Goggle Eye
Holcocephala calva is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Gray Goggle Eye. It is one of approximately 7,500 described species of predatory robber flies found worldwide. The species belongs to the genus Holcocephala, which is characterized by distinctive head morphology. Robber flies in this family are aerial predators that capture other insects in flight.
Holcocephala fusca
Dusky Goggle Eye, Gnat Ogre
Holcocephala fusca is a small robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Dusky Goggle Eye or Gnat Ogre. The species is recognized by its distinctive enlarged compound eyes that occupy most of the head. It preys on small flying insects, particularly gnats and other tiny dipterans. The species was described by Bromley in 1951.
Holopogon
Holopogon is a genus of robber flies (Diptera: Asilidae) in the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae. These predatory insects are characterized by their compact, often small to medium body size and distinctive wing venation patterns. The genus was established by Komaroff and Nevski in 1935 and is distinguished from related genera by specific structural features of the male genitalia and wing morphology.
Holopogon currani
Holopogon currani is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Martin in 1959. The genus Holopogon belongs to the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae, a group of small to medium-sized predatory flies. As with other Asilidae, this species is presumed to be predatory, though specific natural history details remain poorly documented. The species epithet honors an individual with the surname Curran.
Holopogon mingusae
Holopogon mingusae is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Martin in 1959. It belongs to the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae and the genus Holopogon, a group of small to medium-sized predatory flies. The species was named in honor of Mingus, likely referencing a collector or individual associated with the type specimen. Like other robber flies, it is presumed to be an aerial predator of other insects.
Holopogon snowi
Holopogon snowi is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Back in 1909. The genus Holopogon comprises small to medium-sized predatory flies characterized by their distinctive wing venation and reduced mouthparts. This species is one of several in the genus distributed across North America.
Holopogon umbrinus
Holopogon umbrinus is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Back in 1909. It is classified within the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae and the genus Holopogon, which comprises small to medium-sized predatory flies. The species epithet 'umbrinus' (meaning 'shadowy' or 'dusky' in Latin) likely refers to its coloration. Like other asilids, it is presumed to be an aerial predator of other insects, though specific natural history details remain poorly documented.
Itolia atripes
Itolia atripes is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Wilcox in 1949. As a member of this predatory fly family, it likely exhibits the characteristic hunting behavior and morphological adaptations typical of Asilidae. The species is placed in the genus Itolia, a relatively small and poorly documented group within the robber flies.
Itolia timberlakei
Itolia timberlakei is a species of robber fly (Diptera: Asilidae) described by Wilcox in 1949. The genus Itolia is a small group within the diverse Asilidae family, which comprises predatory flies commonly known as robber flies or assassin flies. The species epithet 'timberlakei' honors the entomologist P.H. Timberlake, who made substantial contributions to the study of bees and wasps at the University of California, Riverside. No detailed biological studies of this species have been published.
Lampria
Lampria is a genus of robber flies in the family Asilidae, established by Macquart in 1838. The genus contains at least 20 described species. Robber flies in this genus are aerial predators that capture other insects in flight. Members of this genus are found in the Americas, particularly in Neotropical regions.
Lampria bicolor
Lampria bicolor is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. It is found primarily in the eastern United States, east of the Rocky Mountains, with additional reports from South America. The species was first described by Wiedemann in 1828. Like other robber flies, it is a predatory insect, though specific details of its biology remain poorly documented.
Laphria
bumblebee-mimic robber flies
Laphria is a genus of robber flies (Asilidae) established by Meigen in 1803. Species in this genus are notable for their effective mimicry of bumble bees, with hairy bodies and coloration patterns that closely resemble Bombus species. They are predatory as adults, capturing other insects in flight. The genus is distributed across North America and parts of Europe, with records from Scandinavia and the eastern United States.
Laphria aeatus
Laphria aeatus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Walker in 1849. As a member of the genus Laphria, it belongs to a group known for effective bumble bee mimicry. The genus is characterized by thick antennae that distinguish it from similar mimetic genera such as Mallophora.
Laphria affinus
Bee-like Robber Fly
Laphria affinus is a medium-sized robber fly in the family Asilidae, notable as one of several North American species that exhibit effective bumble bee mimicry. The species shares the genus with other bee-mimicking Laphria, distinguished by their dense pile and robust body form that closely resembles Bombus species. These flies are predatory as adults, capturing other insects in flight.
Laphria aimatis
Laphria aimatis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by McAtee in 1919. The genus Laphria includes species known for their effective mimicry of bumble bees (Bombus), with which they share similar coloration and hairiness. These flies are predatory as adults and are often observed perching on vegetation while hunting for prey. The specific epithet 'aimatis' appears to be derived from Greek, though its precise meaning in this context is not documented in available sources.
Laphria aktis
Laphria aktis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by McAtee in 1919. The genus Laphria includes species known for effective bumble bee mimicry, though specific documentation for L. aktis is limited. Observations of this species are sparse, with only 22 records documented in iNaturalist as of the available data.
Laphria apila
Laphria apila is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. It belongs to the genus Laphria, a group known for effective bumble bee mimicry. The species was described by Bromley in 1951. Like other robber flies, it is a predatory insect that captures prey in flight.
Laphria astur
Laphria astur is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, genus Laphria. Members of this genus are notable for their convincing mimicry of bumble bees and carpenter bees, which provides protection from predators and facilitates ambush predation on unsuspecting prey. Like other Laphria species, L. astur likely employs this mimicry to approach small flying beetles and other insects that would otherwise flee from an obvious predator. The genus name derives from Greek mythology, though specific etymology for the epithet 'astur' is not documented in available sources.
Laphria asturina
Laphria asturina is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae), a group of predatory dipterans known for their aggressive hunting behavior. The species was originally described as Bombomima asturina before being transferred to Laphria. Like other members of the genus Laphria, it is likely a bumble bee mimic, though specific documentation of this trait for L. asturina is limited. Robber flies in this genus are notable for their convincing mimicry of hymenopterans, which may provide protection from predators.
Laphria canis
Laphria canis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, a group of predatory flies known for their aggressive hunting behavior. The genus Laphria is notable for species that are effective mimics of bumble bees, a trait that provides protection from predators and aids in ambushing prey. As with other robber flies, L. canis is presumed to be an aerial predator that captures other insects in flight. Specific details about this species remain limited in the available literature.
Laphria carbonaria
Laphria champlainii
Laphria champlainii is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. It belongs to the genus Laphria, which includes several bumble bee-mimicking species known for their effective Batesian mimicry. The species was described by Walton in 1910. Like other Laphria species, it is presumed to be an active aerial predator, though specific behavioral and ecological details remain poorly documented.
Laphria cinerea
Laphria cinerea is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. Members of the genus Laphria are known for their effective mimicry of bumble bees. The species was described by Back in 1904. As with other asilids, it is presumed to be an active aerial predator, though specific behavioral observations for this species are limited.
Laphria columbica
Columbian Bee Killer
Laphria columbica is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Francis Walker in 1866. The genus Laphria is notable for species that are effective mimics of bumble bees, and L. columbica appears to follow this pattern. Robber flies in this genus are predatory and often observed perching on vegetation while hunting. The specific epithet "columbica" suggests a connection to the Columbia River region or British Columbia, though the exact etymology is not documented in available sources.
Laphria coquillettii
Coquillett's Bee Killer
A robber fly in the family Asilidae, Laphria coquillettii is a bumble bee mimic that occurs in North America. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits Batesian mimicry of bumble bees (Bombus spp.), gaining protection from predators while also using its bee-like appearance to approach prey. The species was described by McAtee in 1919.
Laphria divisor
Black-waisted Laphria
Laphria divisor is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Black-waisted Laphria. The genus Laphria includes species known for effective bumble bee mimicry, with hairy bodies and thick antennae distinguishing them from similar genera. As a member of the Asilidae, this species is a predatory fly that likely hunts other insects. The specific epithet 'divisor' was established by Nathan Banks in 1917.
Laphria engelhardti
Laphria engelhardti is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. The genus Laphria is known for effective bumble bee mimicry, with species exhibiting hairy bodies and thick antennae that distinguish them from similar genera. This species was described by Bromley in 1931.
Laphria felis
Laphria felis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, found in western North America. It belongs to a genus known for effective bumble bee mimicry, with several species exhibiting dense hair patterns and coloration that closely resemble bumble bees. As with other robber flies, it is presumed to be an active aerial predator. The species was described by Osten Sacken in 1877.
Laphria fernaldi
Laphria fernaldi is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. The genus Laphria is known for effective bumble bee mimicry, with members resembling bees in both appearance and behavior to deceive predators and prey. This species was originally described as Dasyllis fernaldi by Back in 1904 before being transferred to Laphria. Like other robber flies, it is a predatory insect that captures other arthropods in flight.
Laphria ferox
Laphria ferox is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. It belongs to the genus Laphria, a group commonly known as 'bee-like robber flies' due to their resemblance to bumble bees. The species was described by Samuel Wendell Williston in 1883. As with other robber flies, it is presumed to be a predatory insect, though specific behavioral and ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Laphria flavicollis
Black-tailed Laphria
Laphria flavicollis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. It is recognized as a bumble bee mimic, using its appearance to deceive both predators and prey. The species has been documented in deciduous woodland habitats and is known to occur in the eastern United States. It belongs to a genus noted for particularly effective mimicry of bumble bees.
Laphria franciscana
Laphria franciscana is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. It occurs in northeastern North America, with records from southern Ontario, Manitoba, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and Maine, extending southward to Texas and Florida. The species belongs to a genus noted for effective bumble bee mimicry.