Pinewoods Laphria
Laphria virginica
This record describes Laphria virginica (species). Recorded family: Asilidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Easy to confuse with L. flavicollis . The main gestalt things to look for are the hairiness of the black abdomen, very fuzzy in virginica but somewhat glossy in flavicollis . The golden hair on the top of the thorax looks more swept back and finely constructed in flavicollis . And in virginica , the legs have a reddish brown tone to the fuzz in good light. --Herschel Raney, 4.v.2006
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Woodlands, often pine or mixed pine/deciduous. Likes to sit in little sunny patches.
Geographic Range
e. US (MA-FL to OH-TN)
Seasonal Activity
Apr-Jun in NC
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Laphria virginica (Banks 1917) Pinewoods Laphria: https://www.robberfliesoftheworld.com/NA_CommonNames.php
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Laphria virginica. 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 Pinewoods Laphria (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by john and jane balaban , v belov , Chris Cohen
Frequently Asked Questions About Pinewoods Laphria
What is Pinewoods Laphria?
Pinewoods Laphria (Laphria virginica) is a species in the family Asilidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Pinewoods Laphria?
13-20 mm
How do you identify Pinewoods Laphria?
Easy to confuse with L. flavicollis . The main gestalt things to look for are the hairiness of the black abdomen, very fuzzy in virginica but somewhat glossy in flavicollis . The golden hair on the top of the thorax looks more swept back and finely constructed in flavicollis . And in virginica , the legs have a reddish brown tone to the fuzz in good light. --Herschel Raney, 4.v.2006
Where is Pinewoods Laphria found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Woodlands, often pine or mixed pine/deciduous. Likes to sit in little sunny patches. |
| Range | e. US (MA-FL to OH-TN) |
When is Pinewoods Laphria active?
Pinewoods Laphria: seasonal activity - Apr-Jun in NC.