San Rafael Bandit
Cyrtopogon longimanus
This record describes Cyrtopogon longimanus (species). Recorded family: Asilidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Per Eric Fisher: This sp. is actually a close relative of C. marginalis , of the eastern U.S. & Can. They both share a puffed-up, shiny black scutellum, which lines-up with a series of shiny-black spots along the sides of the thorax; otherwise, longimanus is mainly a black sp., marginalis a reddish-brown sp., both with splashes of white setae on head, legs, & abdomen.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
CA
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Cyrtopogon longimanus Loew 1874 San Rafael Bandit: https://www.robberfliesoftheworld.com/NA_CommonNames.php
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Cyrtopogon longimanus. 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 San Rafael Bandit (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ken Wolgemuth; Additional contributions by v belov , Chris Cohen
Frequently Asked Questions About San Rafael Bandit
What is San Rafael Bandit?
San Rafael Bandit (Cyrtopogon longimanus) is a species in the family Asilidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify San Rafael Bandit?
Per Eric Fisher: This sp. is actually a close relative of C. marginalis , of the eastern U.S. & Can. They both share a puffed-up, shiny black scutellum, which lines-up with a series of shiny-black spots along the sides of the thorax; otherwise, longimanus is mainly a black sp., marginalis a reddish-brown sp., both with splashes of white setae on head, legs, & abdomen.
Where is San Rafael Bandit found?
Range: CA