Common Black Laphria
Laphria canis
This record describes Laphria canis (species). Recorded family: Asilidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
L. canis is difficult (sometimes impossible) to distinguish from several similar species from photos. Please place photos that are not conclusively identified under the canis complex page. Antennae help distinguish from the plumper Atomosia . There are closely related species, very hard to distinguish in the field. The close eastern group is canis, sicula, and winnemana . Genitalic bulb is very wide in L. canis , much narrower (compared to the proximal abdominal segments) in L. sicula and L. winnemana .
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Fields, forest openings, etc. These small species prefer the understory leaf tops of low plants. And they love shaded woodlands. Rarely found away from tree cover.
Geographic Range
Ontario and Quebec to Florida. L. sicula ranges as far west as Oklahoma and Arkansas. The other two species have not been located in those states.
Seasonal Activity
Summer
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Laphria canis Williston 1883 Common Black Laphria: https://www.robberfliesoftheworld.com/NA_CommonNames.php
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Laphria canis. 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 Common Black Laphria (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by hraney , Ben Coulter , v belov , KenW , Chris Cohen
Frequently Asked Questions About Common Black Laphria
What is Common Black Laphria?
Common Black Laphria (Laphria canis) is a species in the family Asilidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Common Black Laphria?
7-12 mm (some up to 14-16 mm, per Herschel Raney's comment )
How do you identify Common Black Laphria?
L. canis is difficult (sometimes impossible) to distinguish from several similar species from photos. Please place photos that are not conclusively identified under the canis complex page. Antennae help distinguish from the plumper Atomosia . There are closely related species, very hard to distinguish in the field. The close eastern group is canis, sicula, and winnemana . Genitalic bulb is very wide in L. canis , much narrower (compared to the proximal abdominal segments) in L. sicula and L. winnemana .
Where is Common Black Laphria found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Fields, forest openings, etc. These small species prefer the understory leaf tops of low plants. And they love shaded woodlands. Rarely found away from tree cover. |
| Range | Ontario and Quebec to Florida. L. sicula ranges as far west as Oklahoma and Arkansas. The other two species have not been located in those states. |
When is Common Black Laphria active?
Common Black Laphria: seasonal activity - Summer.