Flies of Zihuatanejo

ORDER DIPTERA

-Brachyceran Flies (Suborder Brachycera)

-Orthorrhaphan Flies (Infraorder Orthorrhapha)

-Superfamily Asiloidea

-Robber Flies (Family Asilidae)

-Subfamily Asilinae

-Genus Efferia

Hammertails of the genus Efferia are large, robust robber flies (family Asilidae) widely distributed across North and Central America, particularly in dry, open habitats such as grasslands, deserts, scrublands, and sandy areas. Efferia species are formidable aerial predators. They hunt from exposed perches on the ground or low vegetation, launching fast, direct flights to intercept prey in midair. Their prey includes a wide range of insects—flies, bees, wasps, beetles, and even other robber flies—which they capture with their ძლიერი, spiny legs. Once secured, the prey is subdued with a piercing proboscis that injects neurotoxic saliva and digestive enzymes, allowing the fly to consume liquefied tissues.