Dark Pismo Sandpirate
Lasiopogon bitumineus
This record describes Lasiopogon bitumineus (species). Recorded family: Asilidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
According to Tristan McKnight, They're distinguishable in the field by the long thoracic bristles and dark brown color (as opposed to the other local species L. littoris, which is silvery-grey).
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Coastal dunes in San Luis Obispo County, California
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Lasiopogon bitumineus McKnight in McKnight & Cannings 2020 Dark Pismo Sandpirate: https://www.robberfliesoftheworld.com/NA_CommonNames.php
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Lasiopogon bitumineus. 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 Dark Pismo Sandpirate (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ken Wolgemuth; Additional contributions by john and jane balaban , Chris Cohen
Frequently Asked Questions About Dark Pismo Sandpirate
What is Dark Pismo Sandpirate?
Dark Pismo Sandpirate (Lasiopogon bitumineus) is a species in the family Asilidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Dark Pismo Sandpirate?
According to Tristan McKnight, They're distinguishable in the field by the long thoracic bristles and dark brown color (as opposed to the other local species L. littoris, which is silvery-grey).
Where is Dark Pismo Sandpirate found?
Range: Coastal dunes in San Luis Obispo County, California