
Community identification
Hairy Robber Fly
Choerades sp.
- Order & Family
- Diptera: Asilidae
- Size
- 10 - 20 mm (approx. 0.4 - 0.8 inches)
Natural Habitat
Typically found in deciduous or coniferous forests, woodlands, and edges where they can hunt from foliage or fallen logs.
Diet & Feeding
Predatory carnivore. They hunt other insects including bees, wasps, beetles, and flies, often catching them in mid-air.
Behavior Patterns
They are expert sit-and-wait predators that mimic bees or wasps for protection. They use their strong legs to grab prey and a sharp proboscis to inject paralyzing saliva containing digestive enzymes.
Risks & Benefits
Highly beneficial to the ecosystem as they control various insect populations. They are not aggressive toward humans but can deliver a painful bite if handled roughly.