Ommatius Robber Flies

Photo of a robber fly, genus Ommatius, perched on a wall.
Scientific Name
Ommatius spp.
Family
Asilidae (robber flies) in the order Diptera (flies)
Description

Ommatius robber flies are members of a genus of robber flies. They are medium-sized robber flies with distinctively branching, or slightly feathery antennae (look close, or take a picture and zoom in).

In North America north of Mexico, there are about 13 species in genus Ommatius, and about four or five of these might be found in Missouri. One of the most common species is O. gemma, which is widespread in the southeastern United States. Distinguishing between the species involves looking closely at the body bristles, leg coloration, configuration of reproductive structures, and other details.

As with other robber flies, they can inflict a painful bite if mishandled.

Learn more about these and other robber flies on their group page.

Media Gallery
Photo of a robber fly, genus Ommatius, perched on a wall.
In North America, there are about 13 species of robber flies in genus Ommatius. A hallmark of this genus are the somewhat feathery, branching antennae.
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Photo of a robber fly, genus Ommatius, perched on a wall.
Similar Species
About Land Invertebrates in Missouri
Invertebrates are animals without backbones, including earthworms, slugs, snails, and arthropods. Arthropods—invertebrates with “jointed legs” — are a group of invertebrates that includes crayfish, shrimp, millipedes, centipedes, mites, spiders, and insects. There may be as many as 10 million species of insects alive on earth today, and they probably constitute more than 90 percent all animal species.