Robber-fly
Guides
Lasiopogon albidus
Lasiopogon albidus is a species of robber fly (Diptera: Asilidae) in the genus Lasiopogon, originally described by Cole & Wilcox in 1938. It belongs to the bivittatus section of the genus, a group of western Nearctic species. The species was redescribed in a 2021 taxonomic revision that included 13 new species descriptions and updated the phylogeny of the genus using molecular data. As with other robber flies, it is presumed to be a predatory insect, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Lasiopogon aldrichii
Lasiopogon aldrichii is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Melander in 1923. It belongs to the genus Lasiopogon, a group of small to medium-sized predatory flies known for their bristly faces and ground-perching hunting behavior. The species is documented from western North America.
Lasiopogon anaphlecter
Lasiopogon anaphlecter is a species of robber fly (Diptera: Asilidae) described by McKnight in 2020. It belongs to the bivittatus section of the genus Lasiopogon, a group of Nearctic asilid flies. The species was established based on integrated molecular phylogenetic analysis (COI, AATS, PEPCK, Wg loci) and morphological examination.
Lasiopogon apache
Lasiopogon apache is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Cannings in 2002. The genus Lasiopogon comprises small to medium-sized predatory flies commonly found in open, sunny habitats. As a member of the Asilidae family, this species is an aerial predator that captures other insects in flight. Very little specific information has been published about this particular species beyond its taxonomic description.
Lasiopogon arenicola
Lasiopogon arenicola is a Nearctic robber fly (Diptera: Asilidae) originally described by Osten Sacken in 1877. It belongs to the bivittatus section of the genus Lasiopogon, a group of predatory flies characterized by their robust build and distinctive facial mystax. The species was validated in a 2020 molecular phylogenetic revision that included it in a Bayesian species tree analysis based on mitochondrial COI and three nuclear protein-coding loci (AATS, PEPCK, Wg). As a member of the Asilidae family, it shares the group's characteristic predatory habits and sand-dwelling ecology implied by its species epithet 'arenicola' (sand-dweller).
Lasiopogon asilomar
Lasiopogon asilomar is a species of robber fly (Diptera: Asilidae) described by McKnight in 2020. It belongs to the bivittatus section of the genus Lasiopogon, a group of Nearctic robber flies characterized by distinctive morphological features. The species was established as part of a comprehensive molecular phylogenetic study and taxonomic revision that used mitochondrial (COI) and three nuclear protein-coding loci (AATS, PEPCK, Wg). The specific epithet 'asilomar' references the Asilomar Conference Center in Pacific Grove, California, where international thrips and tospovirus symposia have been held.
Lasiopogon bitumineus
Lasiopogon bitumineus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by McKnight in 2020 as part of a taxonomic revision of the bivittatus section of the genus Lasiopogon. The species was among 13 new species described from Nearctic populations in a comprehensive phylogenetic and systematic study. As a member of the bivittatus section, it belongs to a morphologically defined group of western Nearctic Lasiopogon species.
Lasiopogon bivittatus
Lasiopogon bivittatus is a species of robber fly (Diptera: Asilidae) in the bivittatus section of the genus Lasiopogon. The species was described by Loew in 1866 and has been the subject of cytological studies examining spermatogenesis. Recent taxonomic revision of the bivittatus section included redescription of this species and molecular phylogenetic analysis placing it within a clade of western Nearctic Lasiopogon species.
Lasiopogon canningsi
Cannings' Sandpirate
Lasiopogon canningsi is a species of robber fly (Diptera: Asilidae) described in 2020 as part of a taxonomic revision of the bivittatus section of Nearctic Lasiopogon. The species is named in honor of entomologist Robert A. Cannings. As a member of the Asilidae family, it is a predatory fly, though specific ecological details remain undocumented in accessible literature.
Lasiopogon chaetosus
Lasiopogon chaetosus is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Cole and Wilcox in 1938. The genus Lasiopogon comprises small to medium-sized predatory flies characterized by their bristly appearance and ground-perching hunting behavior. Species in this genus are typically found in open, sandy or rocky habitats. The specific epithet 'chaetosus' refers to the bristly or hairy condition of the body surface.
Lasiopogon cinereus
Ashy Sandpirate
Lasiopogon cinereus is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Cole in 1919. It is commonly known as the Ashy Sandpirate. Like other robber flies, it is a predatory insect belonging to the order Diptera. The species epithet 'cinereus' refers to its ash-gray coloration.
Lasiopogon coconino
Lasiopogon coconino is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Cannings in 2002. The genus Lasiopogon comprises small to medium-sized predatory flies primarily distributed in western North America. Members of this genus are characterized by their bristly bodies and predatory habits, typically hunting other insects from perches on vegetation or ground surfaces.
Lasiopogon currani
Lasiopogon currani is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Cole and Wilcox in 1938. The species belongs to the genus Lasiopogon, a group of small to medium-sized predatory flies. It has been documented in the northeastern United States, particularly in Vermont.
Lasiopogon delicatulus
Lasiopogon delicatulus is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Melander in 1923. It belongs to the genus Lasiopogon, a group of small, slender robber flies commonly known as 'bee killers' or 'hanging thieves' due to their habit of hanging from vegetation while waiting for prey. The species epithet 'delicatulus' suggests a delicate or small-bodied form relative to other members of the genus. As with most Lasiopogon species, detailed natural history information remains limited.
Lasiopogon dimicki
Lasiopogon dimicki is a robber fly (Diptera: Asilidae) described by Cole & Wilcox in 1938. It belongs to the bivittatus section of the genus Lasiopogon, a group of ground-dwelling predatory flies found in western North America. The species was validated and included in a 2020 molecular phylogenetic revision of the bivittatus section based on mitochondrial and nuclear DNA markers.
Lasiopogon esau
Lasiopogon esau is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by McKnight in 2020. The species epithet honors Katherine Esau (1898-1997), a renowned Ukrainian-born plant biologist and UC Davis professor emeritus who received the National Medal of Science. As a member of the genus Lasiopogon, this species belongs to a group of predatory flies known for their bristly bodies and ambush hunting behavior.
Lasiopogon flammeus
Lasiopogon flammeus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Cannings in 2002. It belongs to a genus of predatory flies commonly found in western North America. As with other robber flies, it is presumed to be an aerial predator of other insects.
Lasiopogon gabrieli
Lasiopogon gabrieli is a species of robber fly (Diptera: Asilidae) in the bivittatus section, first described by Cole & Wilcox in 1938. It belongs to a genus of predatory flies found in western North America. The species was validated in a 2020 molecular phylogenetic revision of Nearctic Lasiopogon. Very few observations exist in public databases.
Lasiopogon karli
Lasiopogon karli is a species of robber fly (Diptera: Asilidae) described by McKnight in 2020. It belongs to the cinereus group within the opaculus section of the genus Lasiopogon, distinguishing it from the bivittatus section that was the primary focus of the taxonomic revision in which it was described. As a member of the Asilidae family, it is presumed to share the general predatory habits characteristic of robber flies, though species-specific ecological data remain undocumented in available sources.
Lasiopogon lavignei
Lasiopogon lavignei is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Cannings in 2002. The genus Lasiopogon comprises small to medium-sized predatory flies commonly found in sandy or gravelly habitats near water. This species is part of the tribe Lasiopogonini, which is characterized by distinctive morphological features and habitat preferences.
Lasiopogon littoris
Lasiopogon littoris is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Cole in 1924. It belongs to the bivittatus section of the genus Lasiopogon, a group of Nearctic species that was taxonomically revised in 2021. The species is one of 13 previously described taxa that were redescribed as part of this revision, which included an updated identification key to western Nearctic Lasiopogon adults.
Lasiopogon marshalli
A species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Cannings in 2002. The genus Lasiopogon comprises small to medium-sized predatory flies commonly found in open habitats. L. marshalli is one of several species in this genus, with limited published biological information available.
Lasiopogon martinensis
Lasiopogon martinensis is a species of robber fly (Asilidae) originally described by Cole & Wilcox in 1938. Molecular phylogenetic analysis has transferred this species from the bivittatus section to the tetragrammus group within the opaculus section of the genus Lasiopogon. The species is considered valid based on taxonomic revision of Nearctic Lasiopogon.
Lasiopogon monticola
Mountain Sandpirate
Lasiopogon monticola is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Melander in 1923. The species epithet 'monticola' (mountain-dwelling) suggests an association with montane habitats. As a member of the Asilidae, it is a predatory fly that captures other insects in flight. The genus Lasiopogon comprises species commonly known as sandpirates, typically associated with sandy or loose soil substrates.
Lasiopogon nelsoni
Lasiopogon nelsoni is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by McKnight in 2020. It belongs to the genus Lasiopogon, a group of small to medium-sized predatory flies commonly found in North America. As with other asilids, this species is likely an aerial predator that captures other insects in flight. The species epithet honors an individual named Nelson, though the specific honoree is not documented in available sources.
Lasiopogon odontotus
Lasiopogon odontotus is a species of robber fly (Asilidae) described in 2020 from the western Nearctic region. It belongs to the bivittatus section of the genus Lasiopogon, a group characterized by specific morphological features and molecular signatures. The species was established through integrated taxonomic revision combining molecular phylogenetic analysis and morphological study.
Lasiopogon oklahomensis
Lasiopogon oklahomensis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Cole and Wilcox in 1938. The species is known from Oklahoma, as indicated by its specific epithet. Robber flies in the genus Lasiopogon are generally predatory insects that hunt other arthropods. Very few observations of this species have been recorded, with only three documented observations in iNaturalist as of the available data.
Lasiopogon opaculus
Lasiopogon opaculus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Loew in 1874. It belongs to the opaculus section of the genus Lasiopogon, a group of predatory flies found in western North America. The species is part of a taxonomically complex group that has undergone recent revision based on molecular phylogenetic data.
Lasiopogon piestolophus
A species of robber fly (Asilidae) described by Cannings in 2002. Belongs to the genus Lasiopogon, a group of small to medium-sized robber flies known for their predatory habits. The species name 'piestolophus' refers to the flattened (piesto-) crest (-lophus) on the head. Known from limited observations.
Lasiopogon polensis
Lasiopogon polensis is a species of robber fly (Asilidae) described by Lavigne in 1969. It belongs to a genus of small to medium-sized predatory flies commonly found in sandy habitats. Very few observations of this species exist in public databases, suggesting it may be rare, locally distributed, or underreported.
Lasiopogon puyallupi
Salish Sea Sandpirate
Lasiopogon puyallupi is a robber fly (Diptera: Asilidae) native to the Pacific Northwest of North America. The species was originally described as a subspecies of L. willametti by Cole & Wilcox in 1938, then elevated to full species status in 2020 based on molecular and morphological evidence. It belongs to the bivittatus section of the genus Lasiopogon. The common name "Salish Sea Sandpirate" reflects its coastal habitat association.
Lasiopogon quadrivittatus
Lasiopogon quadrivittatus is a species of robber fly described by Jones in 1907. It belongs to the family Asilidae, a group of predatory flies known for their aggressive hunting behavior. The species epithet 'quadrivittatus' refers to four longitudinal stripes or bands, likely describing a distinctive color pattern on the body. Information about this species remains limited, with only 26 observations recorded on iNaturalist.
Lasiopogon ripicola
A robber fly species in the genus *Lasiopogon* (family Asilidae), originally described by Melander in 1923. It belongs to the bivittatus section, a group of Nearctic species. The species was formally redescribed and validated in a 2020 taxonomic revision based on molecular and morphological data. Like other asilids, it is presumed to be a predatory insect, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Lasiopogon schizopygus
Lasiopogon schizopygus is a species of robber fly described by Cannings in 2002. It belongs to the genus Lasiopogon, a group of small to medium-sized Asilidae known for their slender bodies and preference for riparian and moist habitats. The species epithet 'schizopygus' refers to a characteristic of the male terminalia. Like other robber flies, it is presumed to be a predatory insect, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Lasiopogon shermani
Lasiopogon shermani is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Cole and Wilcox in 1938. The genus Lasiopogon comprises small to medium-sized robber flies commonly found in sandy habitats. As with other Asilidae, this species is predatory, capturing other insects in flight. The species is documented from a limited number of observations, suggesting it may be uncommon or underrecorded.
Lasiopogon sierra
Lasiopogon sierra is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by McKnight in 2020. It belongs to the bivittatus section of the genus Lasiopogon, a group of Nearctic robber flies characterized by distinctive morphological features. The species was established as part of a comprehensive molecular phylogenetic revision of the genus using mitochondrial COI and nuclear protein-coding markers (AATS, PEPCK, Wg). As a member of Asilidae, it is a predatory fly, though species-specific biological details remain to be documented.
Lasiopogon slossonae
Streamside Sandpirate
Lasiopogon slossonae is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Streamside Sandpirate. It is associated with riparian habitats and has been studied in New York. The species was described by Cole & Wilcox in 1938.
Lasiopogon terricola
Little Reddish Sandpirate
Lasiopogon terricola is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Little Reddish Sandpirate. The species was originally described as Daulopogon terricola by Johnson in 1900. It belongs to the subfamily Laphriinae and tribe Lasiopogonini. As with other robber flies, it is a predatory insect that hunts other arthropods.
Lasiopogon testaceus
Lasiopogon testaceus is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Cole & Wilcox in 1938. Robber flies in this genus are predatory insects known for their aggressive hunting behavior and strong flying ability. The species epithet 'testaceus' refers to a brick-red or brownish coloration. As with other Asilidae, this species likely exhibits the family's characteristic predatory habits, though specific details about its biology remain poorly documented in available literature.
Lasiopogon tetragrammus
Great Lakes Sandpirate
Lasiopogon tetragrammus is a species of robber fly (Diptera: Asilidae) first described by Loew in 1874. The species was transferred from the bivittatus section to the tetragrammus group of the opaculus section in a 2020 molecular phylogenetic revision by Cannings. It is known by the common name Great Lakes Sandpirate, reflecting its geographic association with the Great Lakes region.
Lasiopogon tumulicola
Lasiopogon tumulicola is a species of robber fly (Diptera: Asilidae) described in 2020 during a comprehensive taxonomic revision of the bivittatus section of the genus Lasiopogon. The species name 'tumulicola' (from Latin tumulus, mound or hill, and -cola, dweller) suggests an association with elevated or hummocky terrain. It is one of 13 new species described in this revision of western Nearctic Lasiopogon species, which was based on both molecular phylogenetic analysis and morphological examination.
Lasiopogon wilcoxi
Lasiopogon wilcoxi is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by McKnight in 2020. It belongs to the bivittatus section of the genus Lasiopogon, a group of Nearctic predatory flies. The species was established as part of a comprehensive taxonomic revision and molecular phylogenetic study of western Nearctic Lasiopogon species. No specific ecological or behavioral data for this species has been published in the available literature.
Lasiopogon willametti
Willamette Sandpirate
Lasiopogon willametti is a species of robber fly (Diptera: Asilidae) described by Cole and Wilcox in 1938. It belongs to the bivittatus section of the genus Lasiopogon, a group of Nearctic species that has undergone recent taxonomic revision. The species is known by the common name Willamette Sandpirate. As a member of Asilidae, it is a predatory fly, though specific biological details remain poorly documented in accessible literature.
Lasiopogon yukonensis
Lasiopogon yukonensis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described from the Yukon Territory in 1938. The genus Lasiopogon comprises small to medium-sized predatory flies characterized by a distinctive beard of long facial setae. This species is part of a genus primarily distributed across northern and montane regions of North America.
Lasiopogon zonatus
Lasiopogon zonatus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Cole & Wilcox in 1938. It belongs to the genus Lasiopogon, a group of small to medium-sized predatory flies distributed across North America. Robber flies in this genus are typically associated with open, sandy or gravelly habitats near water. The species epithet "zonatus" refers to banded or zoned coloration patterns. Like other Asilidae, adults are aerial predators that capture other insects in flight using their spiny legs and piercing-sucking mouthparts.
Leptogaster aegra
Leptogaster aegra is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Martin in 1957. It is known from the eastern United States, occurring in regions east of the Rocky Mountains. As with other members of the genus Leptogaster, it is a predatory fly, though specific details of its biology remain poorly documented.
Leptogaster arborcola
Leptogaster arborcola is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Martin in 1957. It belongs to the genus Leptogaster, a group of slender, elongate robber flies characterized by their distinctive body form and predatory habits. The specific epithet "arborcola" suggests an association with trees or arboreal habitats. As with other members of the Leptogastrinae, it is presumed to be an aerial predator of small insects.
Leptogaster arenicola
Leptogaster arenicola is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by James in 1937. As a member of the genus Leptogaster, it belongs to a group of slender, elongate predatory flies commonly known as gnat-ogres. The specific epithet 'arenicola' (meaning 'sand-dwelling') suggests an association with sandy habitats, though specific ecological details for this species remain undocumented in the available sources. The species is currently accepted in taxonomic databases but lacks published biological studies.
Leptogaster arida
Leptogaster arida is a species of robber fly (Asilidae) described by Cole in 1919. As a member of the genus Leptogaster, it belongs to a group of slender, elongate robber flies that are morphologically and behaviorally distinct from the more robust, heavily-built asilids. The species epithet "arida" suggests an association with dry or arid habitats. Very few observations of this species have been documented, with only four records in iNaturalist as of the available data.
Leptogaster brevicornis
Leptogaster brevicornis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Loew in 1872. Robber flies are predatory dipterans known for their agile flight and aggressive hunting behavior. The genus Leptogaster comprises small, slender robber flies often found in grassy or brushy habitats. Specific ecological and behavioral details for this species remain poorly documented.