GIANT Robber Fly

[Galapoheros]

Finally caught one from my backyard. I would really like to see a big larvae from one of these. Enjoy the pics! One of those big black horse flies was flying around my head when I was out in the country and a kid. One of these Robber flies grabbed it in mid-air and took care of my problem. That was pretty cool.

 

[bugmankeith]

What kind of robber fly is that, the ones I see here arent as big, or hairy!

 

[Tleilaxu]

DAMN that HUGE how did you get it to sit on your hand? What are you keeping it in?

 

[kraken]

I have larger ones here,but not as hairy or colorful.The ones here are just plain brown,but get around 2".Do they sting?

 

[Paladin]

ive always referred to those as bee hunters or bee killers or something to that extent. its very common to see them on chain-link fences with a fresh caught honey bee.

robberflies notheless

 

[Gigas]

i dont think they sti9ng but i hear they have a terrible bite

 

[kraken]

I was wondering,cause I see them all the time,and was maybe going to catch one for pics.But if they bite, naaah

 

[Gigas]

if you get em in a glass jar it will be fine, theyll only bite if you like hold them tightly between your fingers so they like cant move, feels like a horse fly bite

 

[Tleilaxu]

I would think a KK would be better for ventalation... and room.

 

[Gigas]

i meant just to catch it in, but yes your right, a roomy KK would be the best option

 

[bugmankeith]

Also, is there a reason it is mimicing a bumblebee? If it can bite hard why would it have to mimic a bee?

 

[kraken]

Also, is there a reason it is mimicing a bumblebee? If it can bite hard why would it have to mimic a bee?

Maybe to get a male bumble bee to fight it(lunch anyone? ) I was actually thinking the same question bugmankeith. It sure isnt for defense!

 

[Galapoheros]

Yea, pretty weird how it looks like a bee. I wouldn't want to get bitten. I caught it with a net and put it in a Solo container. Then I put it in the fridge to slow it down so I could get some good pics. Two of those pics where taken while I had my hand in the fridge. I let it go already. Pretty big one!

 

[CopperInMyVeins]

Wow!

Amazing looking robber, I don't really see any like that around here. I'm no expert, but it looks like Laphria genus, maybe Mallophora. Great pictures, here's a Promachus genus robber I saw around here: http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h46/Scolopendromorpha/Flies/Promachus.jpg

 

[kraken]

Amazing looking robber, I don't really see any like that around here. I'm no expert, but it looks like Laphria genus, maybe Mallophora. Great pictures, here's a Promachus genus robber I saw around here: http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h46/Scolopendromorpha/Flies/Promachus.jpg

Thats the kind I have here,they get pretty big.I always see them with a wasp or bee eating it,or two mating.I stay clear of them,and anything like them or bees,or horseflies. I really think they are neat thats for sure

 

[konrad16660]

dang i am in san diego where do those exist. the one of it on your thumb is my newwallpaper for my computer. that thing is nutty.:clap: