About Efferia pogonias (Wiedemann, 1821)
Efferia pogonias is a species of robber fly that belongs to the subfamily Asilinae. It is sometimes called the yellow-bearded hammertail, and is endemic to the eastern United States. In the eastern part of its range, it occurs from Maine to Georgia, and extends westward at least as far as Minnesota and Texas. Existing records of this species from Florida may not be valid. This species favors open, dry habitats, including inland sandy locations. It is active between May and October, with its activity peaking in the fall, particularly in September. Females of this species lay their eggs in soil. Adults measure 16–30 mm (0.63–1.18 in) in total length. The entire body of the species is a deep, dark brown, with darkened wings and very dark legs; the tibiae may show a dark red tinge. The mystax, the "beard" of setae on the face, is prominent and yellowish in color. In males, the last two abdominal segments (segments 6 and 7) are bright white. In females, the ovipositor is dark and somewhat rounded. Like all other robber flies in the genus Efferia, E. pogonias are ambush predators: they stay motionless on soil or low vegetation before darting out to capture their prey.
