Ringed Micropanther
Atomosia glabrata
This record describes Atomosia glabrata (species). Recorded family: Asilidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Face/mystax with white hairs; ocellar tubercle with two long white setae and several shorter ones; antennae about 0.6 times head width; antennae mostly dark; scutellum with two long thin white lateral setae; front & mid femora black dorsally, hind femora with broad black ring apically; tibiae mostly yellow, marked with black dorsally (more apparent on hind tibiae)
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Eastern USA (AR-GA-ME)
Seasonal Activity
Most specimens taken in Aug-Sep
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Atomosia glabrata (Say) Ringed Micropanther: https://www.robberfliesoftheworld.com/NA_CommonNames.php
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Atomosia glabrata. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Diptera includes over 150,000 described species of flies, mosquitoes, and midges. Mosquitoes are the deadliest animal on Earth (CDC). Malaria alone causes ~249 million cases and over 608,000 deaths annually, mostly children under 5 (WHO). Vector-borne diseases account for over 17% of all infectious diseases, causing 700,000+ deaths per year.
Ecological role of the group
Despite their disease impact, flies are critical decomposers and pollinators. Hoverflies alone pollinate hundreds of crop and wildflower species. Flies are also the primary food source for many birds, bats, and fish. Forensic entomology relies heavily on fly species for crime scene analysis.
Economic and practical significance of the group
In the U.S., vector-borne disease cases tripled between 2004-2016, with over 640,000 cases reported in that period (CDC). Tickborne diseases doubled from 22,000 to 48,000 annual reports. Globally, mosquito-borne diseases cost billions in healthcare and lost productivity.
Recorded sources for this group: WHO, CDC, PNAS. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Ringed Micropanther (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by v belov , Chris Cohen
Frequently Asked Questions About Ringed Micropanther
What is Ringed Micropanther?
Ringed Micropanther (Atomosia glabrata) is a species in the family Asilidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Ringed Micropanther?
Male 5.8-7.1 mm, female 7-7.5 mm
How do you identify Ringed Micropanther?
Face/mystax with white hairs; ocellar tubercle with two long white setae and several shorter ones; antennae about 0.6 times head width; antennae mostly dark; scutellum with two long thin white lateral setae; front & mid femora black dorsally, hind femora with broad black ring apically; tibiae mostly yellow, marked with black dorsally (more apparent on hind tibiae)
Where is Ringed Micropanther found?
Range: Eastern USA (AR-GA-ME)
When is Ringed Micropanther active?
Ringed Micropanther: seasonal activity - Most specimens taken in Aug-Sep.