Therevidae
Guides
Acrosathe
Acrosathe is a genus of stiletto flies (family Therevidae) comprising more than 20 described species. The genus was established by Irwin and Lyneborg in 1981 and belongs to the subfamily Therevinae. Six species are documented from the Nearctic Region, including the type species and one newly described species (A. falcata). Species-level taxonomy has been revised with morphological descriptions, genitalia illustrations, and distribution mapping.
Acrosathe vanduzeei
Acrosathe vanduzeei is a species of stiletto fly in the family Therevidae. The genus Acrosathe belongs to the subfamily Therevinae, one of the most diverse lineages within the family. Stiletto flies are predatory as adults, typically hunting other insects, while their larvae are generally soil-dwelling predators or scavengers. The specific epithet vanduzeei honors the entomologist Edward P. Van Duzee.
Acrosathe vialis
Acrosathe vialis is a species of stiletto fly in the family Therevidae, described by Osten Sacken in 1877. Stiletto flies in this family are predatory as larvae and generally associated with sandy or loose soil habitats. The species is documented from a small number of observations, suggesting it may be uncommon or underreported.
Ammonaios
Ammonaios is a genus of stiletto flies (Diptera: Therevidae) described by Irwin and Lyneborg in 1981. The genus belongs to a family of predatory flies whose larvae develop in soil or sand and feed on other invertebrates. As a relatively small and poorly documented genus, its species-level taxonomy and biology remain incompletely known. The genus is part of the diverse therevid fauna found in various regions including parts of the Old World.
Ammonaios confusus
Ammonaios confusus is a species of stiletto fly in the family Therevidae, described by Hauser and Irwin in 2003. The genus Ammonaios was established relatively recently, and species within this group are poorly known compared to many other therevid flies. Like other Therevidae, adults are likely predatory or nectar-feeding, though specific ecological details remain undocumented. The species epithet 'confusus' suggests historical taxonomic confusion with related taxa.
Asiloidea
asiloid flies
Asiloidea is a large superfamily of true flies (Diptera: Brachycera) with cosmopolitan distribution. It comprises approximately 11 families including the well-known Asilidae (robber/assassin flies), Bombyliidae (bee flies), Therevidae (stiletto flies), Mydidae (mydas flies), and Scenopinidae (window flies). Adult morphology is characterized by antennae with no more than 4 flagellomeres, leg empodium usually setiform or absent, and wing venation featuring an elongate cell cup with vein CuA2 ending freely or meeting A1 near the wing margin. Larval synapomorphies include posterior spiracles arising dorsally from the penultimate abdominal segment and, in most families except Bombyliidae and Hilarimorphidae, a modified cranium forming a hinged metacephalic rod.
DipteraBrachyceraAsiloidearobber-fliesbee-fliesstiletto-fliesmydas-flieswindow-fliescosmopolitanarid-habitatspredatory-larvaeflower-visitorsparasitoidsbiological-controlAsilidaeBombyliidaeTherevidaeMydidaeScenopinidaeApioceridaeApsilocephalidaeApystomyiidaeEvocoidaeHilarimorphidaeMythicomyiidaeProtapioceridaephylogenysystematicsvenomouspredatorymystaxmetacephalic-roddichopticholopticJurassicCretaceoustherevoid-cladeNamib-DesertCanary-IslandsSaudi-ArabiaDominicaChileGermanyfossilcybertaxonomyopen-accessZooKeysBohart-MuseumWorld-Robber-Fly-DayBrachylinga pavida
stiletto fly
Brachylinga pavida is a species of stiletto fly in the family Therevidae, originally described by Coquillett in 1893. The species underwent taxonomic revision in 2006, when B. pilosa (Kröber) was synonymized under B. pavida. It belongs to a genus of 24 species distributed in the New World. As a member of the Therevidae, it possesses the characteristic elongated, piercing mouthparts that give stiletto flies their common name.
Breviperna placida
Breviperna placida is a species of stiletto fly in the family Therevidae, originally described by Coquillett in 1894 as Psilocephala placida. Stiletto flies are a diverse group of predatory flies, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented. The genus Breviperna is part of the therevid fauna of North America.
Chromolepida
stiletto flies
Chromolepida is a genus of stiletto flies (family Therevidae) established by Cole in 1923. The genus contains five described species distributed in North America, with most species described from Mexico and the southwestern United States. Stiletto flies in this genus share the family characteristics of slender bodies and elongated mouthparts adapted for predatory feeding. The genus name refers to coloration of the scales or body covering.
Chromolepida bella
Chromolepida bella is a species of stiletto fly in the family Therevidae, described by Cole in 1923. The genus Chromolepida belongs to a diverse family of predatory flies commonly known as stiletto flies due to their elongated, piercing mouthparts. Therevidae species are generally found in dry, sandy habitats where their larvae prey on other soil-dwelling invertebrates. As a member of this family, C. bella likely shares the general therevid body plan and ecological habits, though specific details about this particular species remain poorly documented in available literature.
Chromolepida mexicana
Chromolepida mexicana is a species of stiletto fly in the family Therevidae, described by Cole in 1923. Stiletto flies are predatory insects characterized by their slender bodies and distinctive wing venation. The genus Chromolepida is part of a diverse family of brachyceran flies found primarily in arid and semi-arid regions. Very few observations of this species exist in public databases.
Cyclotelus pictipennis
Cyclotelus pictipennis is a species of stiletto fly in the family Therevidae, originally described as Thereva pictipennis by Wiedemann in 1821. The species has undergone taxonomic revision, with some sources recognizing it under the synonym Cerocatus pictipennis. As a member of the Therevidae family, it shares the characteristic elongated, slender body form and stiletto-like proboscis typical of stiletto flies. The specific epithet 'pictipennis' refers to patterned or painted wings, suggesting distinctive wing markings.
Henicomyia
Henicomyia is a genus of stiletto flies (family Therevidae) established by Coquillett in 1898. The genus contains approximately seven described species, most described by Lyneborg in 1972. Species occur in the Neotropical region, with records from South America. The genus is classified in the subfamily Xestomyzinae.
Henicomyia hubbardii
Henicomyia hubbardii is a species of stiletto fly in the family Therevidae, subfamily Xestomyzinae. It was described by Coquillett in 1898. The genus Henicomyia belongs to a group of predatory flies commonly known as stiletto flies, characterized by their slender body form and stiletto-like ovipositor in females. The specific epithet honors an individual with the surname Hubbard.
Litolinga
Litolinga is a genus of stiletto flies (family Therevidae, subfamily Therevinae) established by Irwin and Lyneborg in 1981. The genus contains two described species, L. acuta and L. tergisa, both restricted to the Nearctic Region. A comprehensive revision by Webb (2009) provided redescriptions, genitalia illustrations, identification keys, and distribution maps for both species.
Litolinga tergisa
Litolinga tergisa is a species of stiletto fly (family Therevidae) first described by Thomas Say in 1823. The species was originally placed in the genus Thereva before being transferred to Litolinga. Stiletto flies are predatory as larvae and generally associated with sandy or loose soil habitats.
Lysilinga
Lysilinga is a genus of stiletto flies (Diptera: Therevidae: Therevinae) comprising 10 species distributed in North and Central America. The genus was established by Irwin and Lyneborg in 1981 and revised by Webb in 2006, who described seven new species and resolved two synonymies. Species are distinguished primarily by male and female genitalia morphology.
Ozodiceromyia
stiletto flies
Ozodiceromyia is a genus of stiletto flies (family Therevidae) comprising approximately seven described species distributed across North America, Central America, and northern South America. The genus was established by Bigot in 1890 and belongs to the cycloteline subfamily of Therevidae. Species in this genus are part of the diverse assemblage of predatory flies within the stiletto fly family, though specific ecological details for most species remain poorly documented.
Ozodiceromyia argentata
Ozodiceromyia argentata is a species of stiletto fly in the family Therevidae, originally described by Bellardi in 1861. The genus Ozodiceromyia belongs to the diverse Asilomorpha infraorder of true flies. As a member of Therevidae, this species likely exhibits the family characteristic of slender, elongated body form. Very little specific biological information has been published for this particular species.
Ozodiceromyia flavipennis
A species of stiletto fly in the family Therevidae, described by Cole in 1923. The specific epithet 'flavipennis' refers to yellow wings, a characteristic coloration trait. Very little has been documented about this species beyond taxonomic classification.
Ozodiceromyia livdahli
Ozodiceromyia livdahli is a species of stiletto fly in the family Therevidae, described by Gaimari and Irwin in 2000. The genus Ozodiceromyia belongs to the mexicana-group, a distinctive clade of cycloteline Therevidae characterized by specialized morphological features. Species in this genus are poorly known biologically, with most information derived from taxonomic revisions rather than ecological studies.
Ozodiceromyia nanella
Ozodiceromyia nanella is a species of stiletto fly (Diptera: Therevidae) described by Cole in 1960. The genus Ozodiceromyia belongs to the cycloteline Therevinae, a group of therevid flies characterized by distinctive morphological features. The species name "nanella" suggests small size, consistent with the generally diminutive nature of many Ozodiceromyia species. As a member of the Therevidae family, this species is part of a diverse group of predatory flies whose larvae typically inhabit soil or decaying organic matter.
Ozodiceromyia notata
Mexican group Ozodiceromyia
Ozodiceromyia notata is a species of stiletto fly in the family Therevidae, first described by Wiedemann in 1821. It belongs to the mexicana-group within its genus, a group characterized by distinctive morphological features. The species is part of a genus that was taxonomically revised in 2000, which helped clarify species boundaries and distributions. Stiletto flies in this family are generally predatory as larvae, inhabiting soil and preying on other invertebrates, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Ozodiceromyia signatipennis
Ozodiceromyia signatipennis is a species of stiletto fly in the family Therevidae, originally described by Cole in 1923. The genus Ozodiceromyia belongs to the cycloteline Therevinae and is primarily distributed in the Americas. Species in this genus are typically associated with sandy or arid habitats. Therevidae larvae are generally predatory, feeding on soil-dwelling invertebrates, though specific biological details for O. signatipennis remain poorly documented. The species is distinguished by wing pattern characteristics referenced in its specific epithet.
Pandivirilia conspicua
Pandivirilia conspicua is a species of stiletto fly in the family Therevidae, originally described by Walker in 1848. As a member of this predatory fly family, it likely exhibits the characteristic features of therevids, though specific biological details remain poorly documented. The species is accepted in major taxonomic databases but has no recorded observations in community science platforms, suggesting it is rarely encountered or underreported.
Penniverpa festina
Penniverpa festina is a species of stiletto fly in the family Therevidae, described by Coquillett in 1893. Stiletto flies are predatory as larvae, inhabiting sandy soils where they feed on other invertebrates. Adults are generally found in open, sunny habitats and are known for their slender bodies and distinctive wing venation. This species is part of a diverse genus within a family containing approximately 1,000 described species worldwide.
Pherocera
Pherocera is a genus of stiletto flies in the family Therevidae, established by Cole in 1923. The genus contains approximately 12 described species. Stiletto flies (Therevidae) are predatory flies known for their distinctive elongated mouthparts and agile flight. Members of this genus are placed in the subfamily Phycusinae.
Pherocera flavipes
Pherocera flavipes is a species of stiletto fly in the family Therevidae, described by Cole in 1923. It belongs to the subfamily Phycusinae. The species epithet 'flavipes' refers to yellow legs. Stiletto flies are predatory as larvae and typically associated with sandy or loose soil habitats where their larvae hunt other invertebrates.
Schlingeria
Schlingeria is a genus of stiletto flies (family Therevidae) established by Irwin in 1977. It belongs to the subfamily Phycusinae, a group characterized by specialized morphological features including reduced wing venation and particular arrangements of thoracic bristles. The genus is poorly known, with only two observations recorded on iNaturalist and minimal published biological data available. Schlingeria species are presumably predatory as larvae, as is characteristic of the family Therevidae, though direct observations of life history remain undocumented.
Spiriverpa
Spiriverpa is a genus of stiletto flies (Diptera: Therevidae: Therevinae) containing six recognized species distributed across the Holarctic Region. The genus was established by Irwin and Lyneborg in 1981 and has undergone recent taxonomic revision to clarify species boundaries and synonymize several previously misplaced taxa. Species within this genus are distinguished primarily by male genitalia morphology.
Spiriverpa bella
A stiletto fly species in the family Therevidae, occurring in the Holarctic region. Originally described as Thereva bella by Kröber in 1914, the species was later transferred to Spiriverpa. The subspecies Thereva bella nigrimana Kröber was synonymized with the nominate form in a 2005 taxonomic revision.
Tabuda
Tabuda is a genus of stiletto flies (family Therevidae) established by Francis Walker in 1852. The genus contains approximately seven described species distributed primarily in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. Species in this genus are characterized by their slender body form and distinctive wing venation patterns typical of the Therevinae subfamily. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with related genera such as Tabudamima and Incoxoverpa described to accommodate species formerly or potentially confused with Tabuda.
Tabuda planiceps
Tabuda planiceps is a species of stiletto fly in the family Therevidae, originally described as Xestomyza planiceps by Loew in 1872. The species belongs to a genus of slender, predatory flies characterized by their elongated body form and distinctive wing venation. Members of the genus Tabuda are found in the Nearctic region, with T. planiceps representing one of the better-documented species in this group of lower brachyceran flies.
Tabuda varia
Tabuda varia is a species of stiletto fly in the family Therevidae, first described by Francis Walker in 1848. Stiletto flies are predatory insects characterized by their slender bodies and distinctive wing venation. The genus Tabuda is part of the diverse Therevidae family, which contains over 1,000 described species worldwide. Information specific to the biology and ecology of T. varia remains limited in the available literature.
Tabudamima
Tabudamima is a genus of stiletto flies (family Therevidae, order Diptera) established by Irwin & Lyneborg in 1981. The genus was revised by Webb & Irwin in 1999, who also described the related new genus Incoxoverpa. As a therevid genus, its species are likely predatory in the larval stage, though specific life history details remain poorly documented. The genus is distinguished from the related Tabuda by specific morphological features of the male genitalia and wing venation.
Thereva bakeri
Thereva bakeri is a species of stiletto fly in the family Therevidae, described by Cole in 1923. Stiletto flies are predatory insects in the order Diptera, characterized by their distinctive elongated mouthparts. The species is part of the diverse genus Thereva, which contains numerous species across multiple continents. Limited specific information is available for this particular species.
Thereva brunnea
stiletto fly
Thereva brunnea is a species of stiletto flies in the family Therevidae, described by Cole in 1923. Very little specific information is documented about this species. It belongs to a family of predatory flies characterized by their slender, pointed bodies and distinctive wing venation. The genus Thereva contains numerous species, many of which are poorly studied and difficult to identify without specialist examination.
Thereva comata
Thereva comata is a species of stiletto fly in the family Therevidae, order Diptera. It belongs to a family of predatory flies commonly known for their slender bodies and distinctive wing venation. The species was described by Loew in 1869.
Thereva diversa
Thereva diversa is a species of stiletto fly in the family Therevidae, described by Coquillett in 1894. Stiletto flies are predatory insects characterized by their slender bodies and distinctive elongated mouthparts. The genus Thereva is one of the larger genera within the family, though specific ecological and behavioral details for this particular species remain poorly documented in available literature.
Thereva flavipilosa
Thereva flavipilosa is a species of stiletto fly in the family Therevidae, first described by Cole in 1923. The specific epithet 'flavipilosa' refers to yellowish hair. It is a member of a diverse genus of predatory flies known for their distinctive elongated mouthparts and agile flight. Documentation of this species is sparse, with limited observational records.
Thereva frontalis
Thereva frontalis is a species of stiletto fly in the family Therevidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1824. It belongs to the order Diptera and is part of the diverse assemblage of predatory flies within the superfamily Asiloidea. The species has been recorded from the northeastern United States, specifically from Vermont. Like other therevids, it likely exhibits the characteristic stiletto fly morphology with an elongated, slender body and predatory habits, though detailed ecological studies for this particular species remain limited.
Thereva hirticeps
Thereva hirticeps is a species of stiletto fly in the family Therevidae, first described by Loew in 1874. Stiletto flies are predatory insects known for their distinctive elongated mouthparts and agile flight. The species epithet "hirticeps" refers to hairy head characteristics. Very few observations of this species have been documented.
Thereva smithae
Thereva smithae is a species of stiletto fly (family Therevidae) described in 2005 by Holston and Irwin. As a member of this family, it belongs to a group of predatory flies known for their distinctive elongated mouthparts and agile flight. The species is named in honor of an individual with the surname Smith. Very few observations of this species exist in public databases.
Therevinae
stiletto flies
Therevinae is the largest subfamily of stiletto flies (family Therevidae), comprising more than 20 genera and over 470 described species. These flies are characterized by their distinctive elongated, slender bodies and are found across diverse geographic regions including the Nearctic, Neotropical, Palearctic, and Australasian regions. The subfamily exhibits considerable morphological diversity, with taxonomic revisions ongoing due to cryptic species complexes and the need for molecular characterization.