Bug Identifier
Robber Fly
Community identification

Robber Fly

Family Asilidae

Order & Family
Order Diptera, Family Asilidae
Size
10 to 50 millimeters in length.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Open, sunny habitats including dry woodlands, scrublands, and meadows.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivorous predator ambushing other flying insects such as bees, wasps, and beetles.

Behavior Patterns

Aggressive aerial hunters that catch prey on the wing, injecting paralyzing neurotoxic saliva.

Risks & Benefits

Beneficial by controlling pest insect populations, though they can deliver a painful defensive bite if handled improperly.