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Breaded Robber Fly

Asilids

Description:

Robber flies belong to the family Asilidae. This family includes some of the largest and most distinctive insects in the order Diptera. Like all true flies, robber flies have only 2 wings. Robber flies also have a distinctive hollow space between their 2 large compound eyes. This characteristic distinguishes robber flies from most other kinds of flies. Robber fly eyes, showing hollow area at the top of the head between the eyes. This hollow area is not present on most other kinds of flies. (B. Newton, 2003) Most robber flies also have a "bearded" appearance, with fine hairs covering their long, piercing mouthparts. The most commonly seen robber flies are dark in color, with gray and black bodies, but some common types are orange. Other species mimic bumble bees, with black and yellow stripes. SIZE: Adult robber flies and larvae attain body lengths of up to 1 1/4" Robber flies are not normally considered pests. They will occasionally bite humans, but they are not blood feeders, and will only bite on accident or if provoked. Because they feed on other insects, robber flies are generally considered beneficial. However, they do not specialize on pest insects, and sometimes eat other beneficial insects, such as bees or other predators.

Notes:

Found this while I was water proofing the tent in the side yard.

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Kentucky, USA

Spotted on Aug 18, 2012
Submitted on Aug 18, 2012

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