Kite-tailed Robberfly
Machimus atricapillus
This record describes Machimus atricapillus (species). Recorded family: Asilidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Generally larger and greyer than M. cingulatus with a more strongly marked abdomen. There are also differences in details of the antennae and genitalia. The front tibia are largely red and lack the black bands seen in other Machimus species. Males of this species are readily distinguished by the projecting tab on the last segment which bears a tuft of black hairs. The tab normally has a forked apex resembling a kite's tail. Both males and females can be separated from the similar M. cingulatus and M. coweni by the colour and patterns on the front tibia and femora. See Identification Aids below. Good quality close-up photographs showing the key ID features, in particular the leg colours and patterns. It can be found in a variety of habitats, especially scrubby grassland and woodland edge. It prefers light soils but is not as strongly associated with sandy soils as the similar M. cingulatus. Most likely to be encountered in summer. Adults are predatory on many other species of flies and other insects. The larvae are presumed to develop as predators in soil. Widespread and fairly frequent in England and Wales, particularly in the south.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It can be found in a variety of habitats, especially scrubby grassland and woodland edge. It prefers light soils but is not as strongly associated with sandy soils as the similar M. cingulatus.
Seasonal Activity
Most likely to be encountered in summer.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Adults are predatory on many other species of flies and other insects. The larvae are presumed to develop as predators in soil.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent in England and Wales, particularly in the south.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Machimus atricapillus. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kite-tailed Robberfly
What is Kite-tailed Robberfly?
Kite-tailed Robberfly (Machimus atricapillus) is a species in the family Asilidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Kite-tailed Robberfly found?
Habitat: It can be found in a variety of habitats, especially scrubby grassland and woodland edge. It prefers light soils but is not as strongly associated with sandy soils as the similar M. cingulatus.
When is Kite-tailed Robberfly active?
Kite-tailed Robberfly: seasonal activity - Most likely to be encountered in summer..
What is the life cycle of a Kite-tailed Robberfly?
Adults are predatory on many other species of flies and other insects. The larvae are presumed to develop as predators in soil.