Black Robber Fly

Description:

Robber flies may be mistaken for dragonflies as they have similar characteristics including strong outwardly positioned legs, solid thorax, large eyes, long skinny abdomen, however robber flies have one pair of wings which are held over their back when resting, unlike dragonflies.

Habitat:

Open forests.

Notes:

Family: Asilidae. Similar to members of the syrphid family, some species of robber fly are also thought to mimic wasps. Adult robber flies feed on other insects, are adapted to snatching fast flying insects on the wing. Robbers flies hold their prey with powerful legs while neurotoxins and special enzymes (proteolytic) are injected into the victim. The body juices are then sucked out via a sharp straw-like proboscis. The larvae of robber flies live in soil or decomposing wood. Some species are also predacious. Other names include Assassin Fly, Bee Killer. I am amazed at how few robber flies have been formally named in Australia.