Bee-like Robber Fly - mating pair

Description:

Bee-like Robber flies mimic bumble bees and have a "bearded" appearance, with fine hairs covering their long, piercing mouthparts. Larvae and adult Bee-like robber flies are predators of other insects, often bees. Although Laphria species are generally larger than other robber flies, they tend to favor small prey. The prey is dissolved by special enzymes injected into the preys body, which are then sucked out by the predator. Females deposit their eggs into fallen trees & logs which is then guarded by the males.

Habitat:

Eastern U.S. Open woods with large-leaved, secondary growth understory.