
Community identification
Robber Fly
Family Asilidae
- Order & Family
- Order Diptera, Family Asilidae
- Size
- 10 to 50 millimeters in length.
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.