Beauty, it is said, is in the eye of the beholder … so behold, the beautiful Robber Fly. These predatory insects launch into attack from an established perch and catch their prey on the wing. Strong, heavily barbed legs grasp the prey, which is lanced with modified mouthparts in the form of a stabbing proboscis, injecting saliva containing neurotoxic and proteolytic enzymes.
Robber Flies are somewhat intimidating in close proximity. Unlike March Flies, they do not seem interested in human fare, but they are invariably given wide berth, nonetheless.
I associate the presence of Robber Flies on nocturnal vegetation with the change from cold and secretive to hot and revealing.
Jennifer Marohasy BSc PhD has worked in industry and government. She is currently researching a novel technique for long-range weather forecasting funded by the B. Macfie Family Foundation.
What is their prey?
Mainly flying insects including flies, bees, wasps, beetles, butterflies and moths, dragonflies, damselflies, grasshoppers and also spiders.
I would have thought their prey was Diamond Beetles (Chrysolopus spectabilis), jewel beetles of numerous species and high-definition telly flies (Plasma bigbuckius).
OK. Can anyone find me a better picture of a live robber fly on the internet?
The colour and detail in the thorax is beautiful.
Magnificent photograph, Neil.
I can at https://jennifermarohasy.com.dev.internet-thinking.com.au/
bloody bit my credit card. May have changed appearance slightly lol.
Ha Ha!
And thanks for the donation. 🙂