Golden Tiger Fly
Ceraturgus aurulentus
This record describes Ceraturgus aurulentus (species). Recorded family: Asilidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
distinctive species, readily recognized by its small size, rich golden pollen, bicolored femora and tibiae, and short, thin, parallel-sided proboscis Rare species: fewer than two dozen specimens collected in the past 200 years. BugGuide contributors found them in three localities, Aug-Sep 2013 (perhaps the first records since the 1980's)
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Massachusetts south to Georgia, west to Michigan
Seasonal Activity
Jul-Sep (mostly Aug-Sep)
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Little known. Two of three BugGuide records to date (as of October 2013) came to lights. Apparently oviposits in soil (BugGuide image below). See images below for discussion of habitat, appearance, behavior:
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Ceraturgus aurulentus ( Fabricius 1805) Golden Tiger Fly: https://www.robberfliesoftheworld.com/NA_CommonNames.php
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Ceraturgus aurulentus. 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 Golden Tiger Fly (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Herschel Raney; Additional contributions by cotinis | Contributed by Herschel Raney; Additional contributions by cotinis , v belov , Chris Cohen
Frequently Asked Questions About Golden Tiger Fly
What is Golden Tiger Fly?
Golden Tiger Fly (Ceraturgus aurulentus) is a species in the family Asilidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Golden Tiger Fly?
9-11 mm
How do you identify Golden Tiger Fly?
distinctive species, readily recognized by its small size, rich golden pollen, bicolored femora and tibiae, and short, thin, parallel-sided proboscis
Where is Golden Tiger Fly found?
Range: Massachusetts south to Georgia, west to Michigan
When is Golden Tiger Fly active?
Golden Tiger Fly: seasonal activity - Jul-Sep (mostly Aug-Sep).
What is the life cycle of a Golden Tiger Fly?
Little known. Two of three BugGuide records to date (as of October 2013) came to lights. Apparently oviposits in soil (BugGuide image below). See images below for discussion of habitat, appearance, behavior: