Common red-legged robberfly

Dioctria rufipes

''Dioctria rufipes'', the common red-legged robberfly, is a species of robber fly in the subfamily Dasypogoninae of the family Asilidae.
Common red-legged robberfly - frontal, Heesch, Netherlands Tentative species. This is definitely Dioctria sp. based on size, relative lack of hair, body build. Another key for this species are the dark thighs whilst front legs are orange/red and the antennae being relatively large compared to others in the genus. Dioctria hyalipennis is an alternative candidate yet has a more clear white stripe across the abdomen, although some individuals may lack it, hence my doubt. Statistically, Dioctria rufipes is much more likely. https://www.jungledragon.com/image/96695/common_red-legged_robberfly_-_full_body_heesch_netherlands.html Common red-legged robberfly,Dioctria rufipes,Extreme Macro

Appearance

''Dioctria rufipes'' can reach a body length of about 8–15 mm and a wings length of 7.5–9 mm. These medium-large robber flies have a black head and hard piercing mouthparts. The antennal tubercle is well-developed above the eyes. The mesothorax is black, lightly pubescent, with inconspicuous longitudinal stripes. The abdomen is slender, dorsally wider towards the back. The front legs are completely orange-red, whereas the hind legs are mainly black. They show a complete stripe of pale, short and soft pubescence on the sides of the thorax , with an additional ventral stripe above middle coxa.
Common red-legged robberfly - full body, Heesch, Netherlands Tentative species. This is definitely Dioctria sp. based on size, relative lack of hair, body build. Another key for this species are the dark thighs whilst front legs are orange/red and the antennae being relatively large compared to others in the genus. Dioctria hyalipennis is an alternative candidate yet has a more clear white stripe across the abdomen, although some individuals may lack it, hence my doubt. Statistically, Dioctria rufipes is much more likely. https://www.jungledragon.com/image/96696/common_red-legged_robberfly_-_frontal_heesch_netherlands.html Dioctria rufipes,Extreme Macro,WeMacro

Distribution

This species can be found in most of Europe , in the Near East and in the East Palaearctic ecozone.

Behavior

Adults can be found from May to July-August. These insects are predators on other insects. They mainly feed on parasitic wasps, ichneumonids, sawflies, empidid flies and a few small species . The larvae develop as predators in the ground.

Habitat

This species mainly inhabit scrubby grassland, well wooded areas, woodland edge and hedgerows.

References:

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Taxonomy
KingdomAnimalia
DivisionArthropoda
ClassInsecta
OrderDiptera
FamilyAsilidae
GenusDioctria
SpeciesD. rufipes
Photographed in
Netherlands