Pale Pismo Sandpirate
Lasiopogon littoris
This record describes Lasiopogon littoris (species). Recorded family: Asilidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
This species is distinguished by its small size, even for a Lasiopogon (about 5-7mm); its all-white hairs and bristles; and the extensive silvery-gray tomentum over almost all the body. The fourth antennal segment (second flagellomere or arista) is more than twice as long as the third segment (first flagellomere). -- Rob Cannings
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
"Common on beaches and dunes along the central California coast."
Geographic Range
CA
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Lasiopogon littoris Cole 1924 Pale Pismo Sandpirate: https://www.robberfliesoftheworld.com/NA_CommonNames.php
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Lasiopogon littoris. 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 Pale Pismo Sandpirate (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Hartmut Wisch; Additional contributions by Vox Sciurorum , v belov , Chris Cohen
Frequently Asked Questions About Pale Pismo Sandpirate
What is Pale Pismo Sandpirate?
Pale Pismo Sandpirate (Lasiopogon littoris) is a species in the family Asilidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Pale Pismo Sandpirate?
This species is distinguished by its small size, even for a Lasiopogon (about 5-7mm); its all-white hairs and bristles; and the extensive silvery-gray tomentum over almost all the body. The fourth antennal segment (second flagellomere or arista) is more than twice as long as the third segment (first flagellomere). -- Rob Cannings
Where is Pale Pismo Sandpirate found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Common on beaches and dunes along the central California coast. |
| Range | CA |