Small Yellow-legged Robber Fly
Dioctria linearis
This record describes Dioctria linearis (species). Recorded family: Asilidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length: 8-11mm. The abdomen of this species is mainly black but with orange side patches, and often orange bands, on the tergites. The front and mid legs are entirely yellow with the back legs being yellow and black. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed. This species is most commonly found on low herbage in dry woodland in dappled light. Mainly found in the southern half of Britain where it is quite widespread but local.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
This species is most commonly found on low herbage in dry woodland in dappled light.
Seasonal Activity
Mid May to mid August.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Mainly found in the southern half of Britain where it is quite widespread but local.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Dioctria linearis. 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 Small Yellow-legged Robber Fly (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Yellow-legged Robber Fly
What is Small Yellow-legged Robber Fly?
Small Yellow-legged Robber Fly (Dioctria linearis) is a species in the family Asilidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Small Yellow-legged Robber Fly?
8-11mm. The abdomen of this species is mainly black but with orange side patches, and often orange bands, on the tergites. The front and mid legs are entirely yellow with the back legs being yellow and black.
Where is Small Yellow-legged Robber Fly found?
Habitat: This species is most commonly found on low herbage in dry woodland in dappled light.
When is Small Yellow-legged Robber Fly active?
Small Yellow-legged Robber Fly: seasonal activity - Mid May to mid August..