Plain-tailed Hanging Thief
Diogmites neoternatus
This record describes Diogmites neoternatus (species). Recorded family: Asilidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
medium-sized brownish species with long legs; abdomen strongly constricted between segments II & III; mesonotum with three velvety black stripes that contrast with the light background of the disc
Wikipedia reference for Diogmites neoternatus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diogmites_neoternatus.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Fields, shrubby thickets, such as bramble patches.
Geographic Range
Across the US (DE-MI-NE-NV to FL-TX-AZ); Mexico States: Arizona, east to Florida, north to Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Ohio, eastward to Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina.
Seasonal Activity
Jun-Aug in NC ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Diogmites neoternatus (Bromley 1931) Plain-tailed Hanging Thief: https://www.robberfliesoftheworld.com/NA_CommonNames.php
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Diogmites neoternatus. 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 Plain-tailed Hanging Thief (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by cotinis , Chuck Entz , v belov , Chris Cohen
Frequently Asked Questions About Plain-tailed Hanging Thief
What is Plain-tailed Hanging Thief?
Plain-tailed Hanging Thief (Diogmites neoternatus) is a species in the family Asilidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Plain-tailed Hanging Thief?
body 20-30 mm (average 24 mm)
How do you identify Plain-tailed Hanging Thief?
medium-sized brownish species with long legs; abdomen strongly constricted between segments II & III; mesonotum with three velvety black stripes that contrast with the light background of the disc
Where is Plain-tailed Hanging Thief found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Fields, shrubby thickets, such as bramble patches. |
| Range | Across the US (DE-MI-NE-NV to FL-TX-AZ); Mexico States: Arizona, east to Florida, north to Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Ohio, eastward to Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina. |
When is Plain-tailed Hanging Thief active?
Plain-tailed Hanging Thief: seasonal activity - Jun-Aug in NC ( 3 ).