Insect · GBIF taxon 1662426
Plain-tailed Hanging Thief
Diogmites neoternatusAlso known as Hanging Thief Robber Fly, Robber Fly
Plain-tailed hanging thieves are adept aerial hunters known for ambushing flying insects from elevated perches. After capturing prey with their spiny legs, they suspend themselves by a single front leg from a leaf or twig to consume their meal in mid-air. Their long, slender body and prominent compound eyes allow for precise flight tracking and rapid, decisive strikes.
PredatoryDiurnalInsect Hunter
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Honey Bees
- Paper Wasps
- Flies
Predators
- Songbirds
- Spiders
- Praying Mantises
ThreatsHabitat degradation and indiscriminate pesticide application
HabitatsGrasslands, old fields, meadows, and forest edges
Life span1 year
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderDiptera
- FamilyAsilidae
- GenusDiogmites
- SpeciesDiogmites neoternatus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Can deliver a sharp, painful bite with its mouthparts if pinched or handled; observe from a short distance.
- Why it is dangerous
- Uses a needle-like proboscis to inject paralyzing enzymes into prey, which causes a sharp, burning jab if pressed against skin.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognized by its narrow body, long legs, clear wings, and habit of dangling upside down from foliage by one or two forelegs.
- What to do
- Enjoy watching its hunting behavior from a few feet away without attempting to grab or sweep-net it by hand.
Responsible observation
- Perch Watching: Look for them clinging to tall grass blades or outer leaves along sunny field margins.
- Approach Slowly: Move cautiously when photographing to avoid triggering their quick escape flight.
- Handling Caution: Never capture by hand, as their sharp proboscis can deliver a defensive jab.
Family Relative (c) Judy Gallagher, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Judy Gallagher · cc-by-sa
Family Relative Close Relative
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