Black Hanging Thief
Diogmites platypterus
This record describes Diogmites platypterus (species). Recorded family: Asilidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The dark Diogmites in the south. Looks amazingly like a black species of paper wasp when flying low and slow in vegetation. The shining dark scutellum or thoracic shield is almost characteristic, along with the nearly all-dark abdomen.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Heavy field vegation and field margins. Not found in shaded woods.
Geographic Range
e. US (MD-GA to MI-CO-TX)
Seasonal Activity
Mid to late summer
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Prefers small Hymenoptera
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Diogmites platypterus Loew 1866 Black Hanging Thief: https://www.robberfliesoftheworld.com/NA_CommonNames.php
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Diogmites platypterus. 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 Black Hanging Thief (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by hraney , v belov , Chris Cohen
Frequently Asked Questions About Black Hanging Thief
What is Black Hanging Thief?
Black Hanging Thief (Diogmites platypterus) is a species in the family Asilidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Black Hanging Thief?
21-28 mm
How do you identify Black Hanging Thief?
The dark Diogmites in the south. Looks amazingly like a black species of paper wasp when flying low and slow in vegetation. The shining dark scutellum or thoracic shield is almost characteristic, along with the nearly all-dark abdomen.
Where is Black Hanging Thief found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Heavy field vegation and field margins. Not found in shaded woods. |
| Range | e. US (MD-GA to MI-CO-TX) |
What does Black Hanging Thief eat?
The diet of the Black Hanging Thief includes Prefers small Hymenoptera.
When is Black Hanging Thief active?
Black Hanging Thief: seasonal activity - Mid to late summer.