Sagebrush Hammertail
Efferia benedicti
This record describes Efferia benedicti (species). Recorded family: Asilidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The very short bristles on the front half of the top of the thorax, the gray body and the male's silver-white abdomen with white-parted hairs is diagnostic in the northern part of its range (BC and Washington), where no other Efferia species looks like it. -- Rob Cannings
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
w. NA (BC-CA to ID-UT-AZ)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Sagebrush Hammertail: https://www.robberfliesoftheworld.com/NA_CommonNames.php
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Efferia benedicti. 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 Sagebrush Hammertail (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by cotinis , hraney , Vox Sciurorum , v belov , Chris Cohen
Frequently Asked Questions About Sagebrush Hammertail
What is Sagebrush Hammertail?
Sagebrush Hammertail (Efferia benedicti) is a species in the family Asilidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Sagebrush Hammertail?
The very short bristles on the front half of the top of the thorax, the gray body and the male's silver-white abdomen with white-parted hairs is diagnostic in the northern part of its range (BC and Washington), where no other Efferia species looks like it. -- Rob Cannings
Where is Sagebrush Hammertail found?
Range: w. NA (BC-CA to ID-UT-AZ)