Common Awl Robberfly - Neoitamus cyanurus
12 to17mm. The Awl Robberflies are named for the distinctive long ovipositor of the female. The last segments of the abdomen are glossy black - part of the genitalia. Femora are black and the tibiae are bright orange with black tips. Males are easier to identify due to the shape of the hypopygium but females are difficult.
Other Neoitamus species, particularly N. socius.
Woodland, especially along the rides of ancient woods.
May to October, peaking in June and July.
Widespread but further sheltered locations in the north.
Uncommon in Leicestershire and Rutland.
David Nicholls
Bradgate Park, Newtown Linford
20 July 2023
male
Kate Nightingale
Charnwood Lodge
02 July 2015
female
Kate Nightingale
Charnwood Lodge
02 July 2015
female
Kate Nightingale
Charnwood Lodge
02 July 2015
female
Kate Nightingale
Charnwood Lodge
13 August 2015
male
Kate Nightingale
Charnwood Lodge
13 August 2015
male
Kate Nightingale
Charnwood Lodge
13 August 2015
male
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Species profile
- Common names
- Common Awl Robberfly
- Species group:
- Flies
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
- Order:
- Diptera
- Family:
- Asilidae
- Records on NatureSpot:
- 7
- First record:
- 02/07/2015 (Nightingale, Kate)
- Last record:
- 04/07/2024 (Bell, Melinda)
Total records by month
% of records within its species group
10km squares with records
The latest images and records displayed below include those awaiting verification checks so we cannot guarantee that every identification is correct. Once accepted, the record displays a green tick.
In the Latest Records section, click on the header to sort A-Z, and again to sort Z-A. Use the header boxes to filter the list.
Latest images
Latest records
Kate Nightingale
Charnwood Lodge
13 August 2015
Kate Nightingale
Charnwood Lodge NR
15 June 2017
male
steven lewis
Clipsham Park Wood
17 May 2020
