Boreal Laphria
Laphria posticata
This record describes Laphria posticata (species). Recorded family: Asilidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Two forms, which may be good species . Nominate posticata shows black scutellar bristles, and yellow hairs on lateral portions of third abdominal tergite, and all of the fourth and fifth tergites. The form scutellaris has yellowish scutellar bristles, and shows yellow on lateral portions of tergite three, and on entirety of tergites 4-7.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Marked preference for white pine ( Pinus strobus ) logs and stumps. ( 3 ) I have also collected one male territorial on a red pine ( Pinus resinosa ) log (BC).
Geographic Range
most of NA (NB-NT-YT to GA-IN-IL-SD--)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Laphria posticata Say 1824 Boreal Laphria: https://www.robberfliesoftheworld.com/NA_CommonNames.php
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Laphria posticata. 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 Boreal Laphria (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Ben Coulter , v belov , Chris Cohen
Frequently Asked Questions About Boreal Laphria
What is Boreal Laphria?
Boreal Laphria (Laphria posticata) is a species in the family Asilidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Boreal Laphria?
Two forms, which may be good species . Nominate posticata shows black scutellar bristles, and yellow hairs on lateral portions of third abdominal tergite, and all of the fourth and fifth tergites. The form scutellaris has yellowish scutellar bristles, and shows yellow on lateral portions of tergite three, and on entirety of tergites 4-7.
Where is Boreal Laphria found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Marked preference for white pine ( Pinus strobus ) logs and stumps. ( 3 ) I have also collected one male territorial on a red pine ( Pinus resinosa ) log (BC). |
| Range | most of NA (NB-NT-YT to GA-IN-IL-SD--) |