Striped Slender Robberfly
Leptogaster cylindrica
This record describes Leptogaster cylindrica (species). Recorded family: Asilidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Feet without pads. Hind femur is yellowish. Third antennal segment ends in bristle. Resembles a crane fly in flight. Leptogaster guttiventris is similar but has reddish hind femur. 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. Flies slowly amongst grass plucking aphids from the leaves. Widespread in the southern half of Britain, but scarce further north.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Hunts in grassy places.
Seasonal Activity
May to August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Flies slowly amongst grass plucking aphids from the leaves.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread in the southern half of Britain, but scarce further north.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Leptogaster cylindrica. 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 Striped Slender Robberfly (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Striped Slender Robberfly
What is Striped Slender Robberfly?
Striped Slender Robberfly (Leptogaster cylindrica) is a species in the family Asilidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Striped Slender Robberfly found?
Habitat: Hunts in grassy places.
When is Striped Slender Robberfly active?
Striped Slender Robberfly: seasonal activity - May to August..
What is the life cycle of a Striped Slender Robberfly?
Flies slowly amongst grass plucking aphids from the leaves.