Giant Robber Flies (mating)

Description:

These two large Robber flies are mating. All robber flies have stout, spiny legs, a dense moustache of bristles on the face (mystax), and 3 simple eyes (ocelli) in a characteristic depression between their two large compound eyes. The mystax helps protect the head and face when the fly encounters prey bent on defense. The antennae are short, 3-segmented, sometimes with a bristle-like structure called an arista.

Habitat:

Wildlife habitat with many native plants.

Notes:

These were on a Texas Laurel shrub at the back of the yard where it meets a wildlife corridor that goes around Lake Lewisville.