Efferia pogonias is a species of robber fly in the subfamily Asilinae.[1] Sometimes referred to as the yellow-bearded hammertail,[2] [3] it is endemic to the eastern United States, where it occurs from Maine to Georgia in the east, and westward at least to Minnesota and Texas; records from Florida may not be valid.[1] [2] [4] [5] This species prefers open and dry conditions, including sandy locations inland.[6] It is active from May to October, but activity peaks in fall, especially September.[2] [4] [5] Females lay their eggs in soil.[2]
Measuring 16- in length, the species is a deep, dark brown across its body, with darkened wings and very dark legs; the tibiae may have a dark red tinge.[2] [5] The mystax or "beard" of setae on the face is prominent and yellowish in color. The last two abdominal segments (numbers 6 and 7) are bright white in males. On females, the ovipositor is dark and somewhat rounded.[5] Like other robber flies in the genus Efferia, they are ambush predators, lying still on soil or low vegetation before sallying out to capture prey.[7]