Apache Sandpirate
Lasiopogon apache
This record describes Lasiopogon apache (species). Recorded family: Asilidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
According to Rob Cannings, The dark reddish tibiae/tarsi and genitalia, the gray-gold thorax and abdomen and the locality help determine the species. The only other Arizona Lasiopogon is an undescribed species from the central mountains -- the facial bristles are white, not black and all parts of the legs are bright orange.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Known only from the mountains of central and eastern Arizona, especially the White Mountains/ Apache National Forest (per Rob Cannings).
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Lasiopogon apache Cannings 2002 Apache Sandpirate: https://www.robberfliesoftheworld.com/NA_CommonNames.php
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Lasiopogon apache. 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 Apache Sandpirate
What is Apache Sandpirate?
Apache Sandpirate (Lasiopogon apache) is a species in the family Asilidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Apache Sandpirate?
According to Rob Cannings, The dark reddish tibiae/tarsi and genitalia, the gray-gold thorax and abdomen and the locality help determine the species. The only other Arizona Lasiopogon is an undescribed species from the central mountains -- the facial bristles are white, not black and all parts of the legs are bright orange.
Where is Apache Sandpirate found?
Range: Known only from the mountains of central and eastern Arizona, especially the White Mountains/ Apache National Forest (per Rob Cannings).