Robber Flies

Types of Flies Bee Fly - Anthrax Blue Bottlefly Drone Fly Flesh Fly Hover Fly Longlegged Fly Small-headed Fly Soldier Fly Tachinid Flies Types of Insects

With around one thousand different species of Robber Flies (family Asilidae) in North America, there is a good chance you will find at least one species in your area.

Generally they are large agressive flies that feed on comparably sized insects such as grasshoppers and dragonflies. Fortunately their agressive behavior does not extend to humans, making it easy to approach them and watch their behavior.

The above picture shows the Laphria sp. robber fly. It is called a mimic fly. Its long thin abdomen resembles a wasp and its hair and coloring resemble a bumblebee.

The physical appearance enables them to approach bees without giving away their predatory intentions.

There is no special name given to the fly in the picture on the left.

The species name is Laphria sadales, and its red legs make it stand out on a leaf. This species is found across the United States.

© 2006 Patricia A. Michaels