Dioctria baumhaueri
This record describes Dioctria baumhaueri (species). Recorded family: Asilidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 8 to 13 mm. This is a mainly black robber fly, but the front two pairs of legs are orange with a dark stripe along the upper surface. It also has a pale stripe on the side of the thorax. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed. Fairly frequent and widespread in England and Wales.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Hedgerows and meadows.
Seasonal Activity
May to August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Predatory on other insects.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly frequent and widespread in England and Wales.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Dioctria baumhaueri. 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 Dioctria baumhaueri (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dioctria baumhaueri
What is Dioctria baumhaueri?
Dioctria baumhaueri is a species in the family Asilidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Dioctria baumhaueri?
8 to 13 mm. This is a mainly black robber fly, but the front two pairs of legs are orange with a dark stripe along the upper surface. It also has a pale stripe on the side of the thorax.
Where is Dioctria baumhaueri found?
Habitat: Hedgerows and meadows.
When is Dioctria baumhaueri active?
Dioctria baumhaueri: seasonal activity - May to August..
What is the life cycle of a Dioctria baumhaueri?
Predatory on other insects.