Names and Taxonomy
- Common Names: Sand Hammertail
- Synonyms: Erax albibarbis, Erax furax
- Order: Diptera (Flies)
- Family: Asilidae (Robber Fly)
- Genus Information: 1 species in NV, 51 in CA, 110 in US
Efferia albibarbis
Sand Hammertail
Introduction:
They are identifiable by their white "moustache" (mystax) and a unique, short, conical ovipositor in females, which helps distinguish them from other Efferia species. They generally appear elongated due to the conformation of the long tapering abdomen, however there are also compact species with broad abdomens. The integument is covered with thick hair, especially on the head and thorax and liveries are often showy, with colors ranging from brown to black to grey, sometimes in contrast with other colors such as red and yellow.
Life Cycle: The name, robber flies, reflects their expert predatory habits, they feed mainly or exclusively on other insects and, as a rule, they wait in ambush and catch their prey in flight.
Size 0.39 to 0.59 inch (3-30 mm)
Sexual Dimorphism: true
Metamorphosis: complete (egg, larva, pupa, adult)
