SeasonalityAdults are found June through mid August, and possibly earlier in the southern portion of the range.IdentificationMedium sized, 15 mm in length. Laphria index is a generally slender fly compared to other Laphria spp. Thorax and abdomen are covered in fine orange hair (pubescence), and legs are brown to red. Coloration of the abdominal and thoracic piles (clumps of hairs) are similar to L. janus (though less dramatic), with the thoracic pubescence being much more delicate. Legs are covered in fine pubescence, and are long and raptorial, ending in prominent tarsal claws used for subduing prey items and mates. Mystax (dense setae surrounding the hypopharynx) and the surrounding mane are white and rather sparse, and scutellar bristles are yellowish. Metapleural hairs are lightly colored or white. Laphria index can be confused with L. aeatus (Walker), but can be most easily distinguished by the yellow scutellar bristles (McAtee 1919; Adisoemarto 1967).
Scientific NameLaphria indexHabitat
Open glades within boreal forests. Most often found near coniferous stands. Occasionally found in open grasslands (Cannings 1994, 1997).
Seasonality
Adults are found June through mid August, and possibly earlier in the southern portion of the range.
Identification
Medium sized, 15 mm in length. Laphria index is a generally slender fly compared to other Laphria spp. Thorax and abdomen are covered in fine orange hair (pubescence), and legs are brown to red. Coloration of the…
Medium sized, 15 mm in length. Laphria index is a generally slender fly compared to other Laphria spp. Thorax and abdomen are covered in fine orange hair (pubescence), and legs are brown to red. Coloration of the abdominal and thoracic piles (clumps of hairs) are similar to L. janus (though less dramatic), with the thoracic pubescence being much more delicate. Legs are covered in fine pubescence, and are long and raptorial, ending in prominent tarsal claws used for subduing prey items and mates. Mystax (dense setae surrounding the hypopharynx) and the surrounding mane are white and rather sparse, and scutellar bristles are yellowish. Metapleural hairs are lightly colored or white. Laphria index can be confused with L. aeatus (Walker), but can be most easily distinguished by the yellow scutellar bristles (McAtee 1919; Adisoemarto 1967).
Life History
See
genus page.
Conservation
Conservation of Laphria index is not of concern.
Diet Info
See
genus page.
Range
Very widespread; Laphria index is found transcontinentally in Canada, extending south to Virginia (Adisoemarto 1967; Cannings 1994).
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Citation
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Page Citation for Laphria index
Page Citation
"Species Details - Laphria index, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-33847. Accessed 31 Aug. 2024.
References
AuthorCannings, R. A.
TitleInsects of the Yukon.
Publication Date1997
Pages637-662
AuthorMcAtee, W. L.
TitleKey to the nearctic species of the genus Laphria (Diptera: Asilidae).
Publication Date1919
Series TitleThe Ohio Journal of Science
Volume19
Pages143-173
AuthorCannings, R. A.
TitleRobber Flies (Diptera: Asilidae) new to Canada, British Columbia, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories with notes on distribution and habitat.
Publication Date1994
Series TitleJournal of the Entomological Society of British Columbia
Volume91
Pages19-26
AuthorAdisoemarto, S.
TitleThe Asilidae (Diptera) of Alberta.
Publication Date1967
Series TitleQuaestiones Entomologicae
Volume3
Pages3-100
Specimen Information
There is 1 specimen of this Species.
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1 result plotted on map in 1 marker. Note: Only records with latitude and longitude coordinates are plotted on map.