Triorla interrupta
This record describes Triorla interrupta (species). Recorded family: Asilidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Large, gray, abdominal pattern of dark dashes on segments is distinctive, at least in e. US. Ovipositor long, somewhat rounded at tip, not pointed.
Wikipedia reference for Triorla interrupta: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triorla_interrupta.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Typically open, grassy areas
Geographic Range
so. US (NC-KS to FL-TX-CA) to Columbia
Seasonal Activity
Jun-Sep in e. NC
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Often takes very large insect prey, such as grasshoppers, dragonflies, horseflies ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Triorla interrupta ( Macquart 1834)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Triorla interrupta. 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 Triorla interrupta (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by cotinis , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Triorla interrupta
What is Triorla interrupta?
Triorla interrupta is a species in the family Asilidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Triorla interrupta?
20-25 mm
How do you identify Triorla interrupta?
Large, gray, abdominal pattern of dark dashes on segments is distinctive, at least in e. US. Ovipositor long, somewhat rounded at tip, not pointed.
Where is Triorla interrupta found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Typically open, grassy areas |
| Range | so. US (NC-KS to FL-TX-CA) to Columbia |
What does Triorla interrupta eat?
The diet of the Triorla interrupta includes Often takes very large insect prey, such as grasshoppers, dragonflies, horseflies ( 3 ).
When is Triorla interrupta active?
Triorla interrupta: seasonal activity - Jun-Sep in e. NC.