Three-banded Robber Fly
Stichopogon trifasciatus
This record describes Stichopogon trifasciatus (species). Recorded family: Asilidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
body slender and relatively hairless; thorax and legs light bluish-gray; abdomen with 3 bands of alternating light and dark color (a distinguishing feature among congeners)
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
usually bare, sandy or gravely areas near water[cite:738548]
Geographic Range
so. Canada (transcontinental) to Venezuela
Diet and Behavior
Diet: mostly spiders[cite:738548], plus flies and other insects
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Stichopogon trifasciatus (Say 1823)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Stichopogon trifasciatus. 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 Three-banded Robber Fly (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Three-banded Robber Fly
What is Three-banded Robber Fly?
Three-banded Robber Fly (Stichopogon trifasciatus) is a species in the family Asilidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Three-banded Robber Fly?
~10-15 mm
How do you identify Three-banded Robber Fly?
body slender and relatively hairless; thorax and legs light bluish-gray; abdomen with 3 bands of alternating light and dark color (a distinguishing feature among congeners)
Where is Three-banded Robber Fly found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | usually bare, sandy or gravely areas near water[cite:738548] |
| Range | so. Canada (transcontinental) to Venezuela |
What does Three-banded Robber Fly eat?
The diet of the Three-banded Robber Fly includes mostly spiders[cite:738548], plus flies and other insects.