Slender-footed Robberfly
Leptarthrus brevirostris
This record describes Leptarthrus brevirostris (species). Recorded family: Asilidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length: 7-10mm. This is a dark fly with black legs except for orange on the tibiae - but this colour doesn't extend to the apex. It has black legs with red bands on the mid and hind tibia. The female's ovipositor is dorsolaterally flattened. The genus is distinguished by the thorax having long hairs but no bristles. The only other European species in the genus is the rare L. vitripennis which has more brightly reddish legs and with orange on the metatarsi (black in brevirostris ). In many parts of the UK this is a species found on chalk grassland but species in the Midlands seem to have a less specific habitat preference. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
In many parts of the UK this is a species found on chalk grassland but species in the Midlands seem to have a less specific habitat preference.
Seasonal Activity
May - August
Additional species information
Recorded status
Local and but widespread in Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Leptarthrus brevirostris. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slender-footed Robberfly
What is Slender-footed Robberfly?
Slender-footed Robberfly (Leptarthrus brevirostris) is a species in the family Asilidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Slender-footed Robberfly?
7-10mm. This is a dark fly with black legs except for orange on the tibiae - but this colour doesn't extend to the apex. It has black legs with red bands on the mid and hind tibia. The female's ovipositor is dorsolaterally flattened. The genus is distinguished by the thorax having long hairs but no bristles.
Where is Slender-footed Robberfly found?
Habitat: In many parts of the UK this is a species found on chalk grassland but species in the Midlands seem to have a less specific habitat preference.
When is Slender-footed Robberfly active?
Slender-footed Robberfly: seasonal activity - May - August.