Orange-legged Robberfly
Dioctria oelandica
This record describes Dioctria oelandica (species). Recorded family: Asilidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Britain's largest Dioctria with long dark wings that have colourful reflections in some lights. All three pairs of legs are largely orange. The adults prey on insects such as sawflies and ichneumons. The larvae are presumed to develop in woodland soil or rotting wood. It is quite widespread but local in Britain. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
A species of old oak woodland.
Seasonal Activity
Summer.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The adults prey on insects such as sawflies and ichneumons. The larvae are presumed to develop in woodland soil or rotting wood.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is quite widespread but local in Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Dioctria oelandica. 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 Orange-legged Robberfly (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Orange-legged Robberfly
What is Orange-legged Robberfly?
Orange-legged Robberfly (Dioctria oelandica) is a species in the family Asilidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Orange-legged Robberfly found?
Habitat: A species of old oak woodland.
When is Orange-legged Robberfly active?
Orange-legged Robberfly: seasonal activity - Summer..
What is the life cycle of a Orange-legged Robberfly?
The adults prey on insects such as sawflies and ichneumons. The larvae are presumed to develop in woodland soil or rotting wood.