Glade Sandpirate
Lasiopogon currani
This record describes Lasiopogon currani (species). Recorded family: Asilidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Many have reddish tarsi, tibiae and genitalia and the third antennal segment is often reddish, too. The giveaway here (if you can see it) is that the top surface of the halter is completely black. This is the only Lasiopogon in the region that has this character.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Ontario south to Georgia in, and east of, the Appalachian Mountains.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Lasiopogon currani Cole & Wilcox 1938 Glade Sandpirate: https://www.robberfliesoftheworld.com/NA_CommonNames.php
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Lasiopogon currani. 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 Glade Sandpirate (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by v belov , Chris Cohen
Frequently Asked Questions About Glade Sandpirate
What is Glade Sandpirate?
Glade Sandpirate (Lasiopogon currani) is a species in the family Asilidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Glade Sandpirate?
6-8 mm
How do you identify Glade Sandpirate?
Many have reddish tarsi, tibiae and genitalia and the third antennal segment is often reddish, too. The giveaway here (if you can see it) is that the top surface of the halter is completely black. This is the only Lasiopogon in the region that has this character.
Where is Glade Sandpirate found?
Range: Ontario south to Georgia in, and east of, the Appalachian Mountains.