More than 2200 species of the wild flora and fauna photographed in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico and the surrounding area.
Optimized for viewing on desktop or laptop
Flies of Zihuatanejo
ORDER DIPTERA
-Arthropods (Phylum Arthropoda)
-Hexapods (Subphylum Hexapoda)
-Winged and Once-winged Insects (Subclass Pterygota)
-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.
Efferia Hammertails
Efferia (Genus)
Description
Efferia is a large genus of robber flies in the family Asilidae. Species are generally medium-sized to large, robust flies with long legs, large compound eyes, a prominent piercing proboscis, and a dense covering of bristles. Body coloration varies considerably among species and may include grey, brown, reddish, yellow, or black tones, often with contrasting bands of pale hairs. They are powerful aerial predators that capture other insects in flight.
Range
Species of Efferia occur primarily in the Americas, with particularly high diversity in North and Central America. Numerous species occur throughout Mexico, including the Pacific coastal region, and Efferia robber flies can be encountered in the Zihua area.
Habitat
Usually found in sunny, warm, open or semi-open habitats, including grasslands, scrub, tropical woodland, forest edges, agricultural areas, and disturbed vegetation. Adults commonly perch on exposed stems, leaves, branches, rocks, fences, and other elevated surfaces from which they launch rapid flights to intercept passing insects.
Diet
Adults are active predators that capture a wide variety of insects, including flies, beetles, bees, wasps, true bugs, grasshoppers, and other flying arthropods. Prey is seized in flight with the legs and pierced with the proboscis, through which saliva and digestive enzymes are introduced before the liquefied tissues are consumed.