Bumblerobber
Dasylechia atrox
This record describes Dasylechia atrox (species). Recorded family: Asilidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
From couplet 2 of Key to the Genera of the Laphriini in , p. 118: Antennae with a distinct terminal style; palpi enlarged, head thickly set with long hairs, genitalia very small, large robust hairy species, bumble bee - like in appearance; proboscis short, truncate. See also: http://www.hr-rna.com/RNA/Rfly%20pages/Eastern%20genera%20key.htm One of rarest North American asilids, with only perhaps a couple dozen specimens known to science.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Widely scattered records from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Utah. (Bullington 1978)
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Unknown.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Dasylechia atrox (Williston 1883) Bumblerobber: https://www.robberfliesoftheworld.com/NA_CommonNames.php
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Dasylechia atrox. 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 Bumblerobber (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ben Coulter; Additional contributions by v belov , Chris Cohen
Frequently Asked Questions About Bumblerobber
What is Bumblerobber?
Bumblerobber (Dasylechia atrox) is a species in the family Asilidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Bumblerobber?
25 mm
How do you identify Bumblerobber?
From couplet 2 of Key to the Genera of the Laphriini in , p. 118: Antennae with a distinct terminal style; palpi enlarged, head thickly set with long hairs, genitalia very small, large robust hairy species, bumble bee - like in appearance; proboscis short, truncate. See also: http://www.hr-rna.com/RNA/Rfly%20pages/Eastern%20genera%20key.htm
Where is Bumblerobber found?
Range: Widely scattered records from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Utah. (Bullington 1978)
What is the life cycle of a Bumblerobber?
Unknown.