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Photo#426228
Is this a Robber Fly (Asilid)? - Holcocephala

Is this a Robber Fly (Asilid)? - Holcocephala
Oxford Mills, Ontario, Canada
July 11, 2010
Size: approx. 1/4 inch
There were about 8 of these very tiny flies around a grassy area, with a hedgerow nearby and a large field of Rudbeckia adjacent. They kept landing on the grass with minuscule prey. They look very much like Asilids, but I have not seen a robber fly so small. I am hoping for help with their ID.

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Is this a Robber Fly (Asiid)? - Holcocephala Is this a Robber Fly (Asilid)? - Holcocephala

Moved
Moved from Robber Flies.

Moved
Moved from ID Request.

check out
Holcocephala... possibly Holcocephala abdominalis

 
Asilid ID
Many thanks Bob. Holcocephala abdominalis looks exactly like what I saw.

This is, indeed, a robber fly
This is, indeed, a robber fly (family Asilidae), but unlike most, its wings extend beyond the abdomen tip. This may indicate that it belongs to the subfamily Laphriinae, some of which sport orange legs. However, the examples of that family provided in the Kaufman insect guide seem to show generally fatter beasts, rather than the streamlined things to which I'm accustomed (e.g., genera Efferia and Proctacanthus). You might see what you can do with www.hr-rna.com/RNA/Rfly%20pages/Eastern%20genera%20key.htm

 
Small robber fly
Thank you so much for your comments and help. I have never seen such a small asilid nor one with the abdomen covered by the wings. I will check out the link you provided. Thank you very much.
Christine

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