Autumn Laphria
Laphria affinis
This record describes Laphria affinis (species). Recorded family: Asilidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Fall flight time and the two front yellow legs are pretty diagnostic. Please note that correct spelling of specific epithet is affinis . (BC)
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. US (MA-FL to AR-MS)
Seasonal Activity
Sep-Dec
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Laphria affinis Macquart 1855 Autumn Laphria: https://www.robberfliesoftheworld.com/NA_CommonNames.php
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Laphria affinis. 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 Autumn Laphria (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by hraney , Bug Eric , Ben Coulter , v belov , Chris Cohen
Frequently Asked Questions About Autumn Laphria
What is Autumn Laphria?
Autumn Laphria (Laphria affinis) is a species in the family Asilidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Autumn Laphria?
14-20 mm
How do you identify Autumn Laphria?
Fall flight time and the two front yellow legs are pretty diagnostic.
Where is Autumn Laphria found?
Range: e. US (MA-FL to AR-MS)
When is Autumn Laphria active?
Autumn Laphria: seasonal activity - Sep-Dec.