Great Lakes Sandpirate
Lasiopogon tetragrammus
This record describes Lasiopogon tetragrammus (species). Recorded family: Asilidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
four apparent scutal stripes, half light/half dark tergite tomentum, and bluntish ovipositor shape ( comment by Tristan McKnight)
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
ne. US and se. Canada (QC? ON NY NH MA CT MI)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Lasiopogon tetragrammus Loew 1874 Great Lakes Sandpirate: https://www.robberfliesoftheworld.com/NA_CommonNames.php
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Lasiopogon tetragrammus. 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 Great Lakes Sandpirate (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by v belov , Chris Cohen
Frequently Asked Questions About Great Lakes Sandpirate
What is Great Lakes Sandpirate?
Great Lakes Sandpirate (Lasiopogon tetragrammus) is a species in the family Asilidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Great Lakes Sandpirate?
four apparent scutal stripes, half light/half dark tergite tomentum, and bluntish ovipositor shape ( comment by Tristan McKnight)
Where is Great Lakes Sandpirate found?
Range: ne. US and se. Canada (QC? ON NY NH MA CT MI)