Perching height varies by species, but generally occurs in open, sunny locations. Most are dull in colour, and their stout, often hairy, bodies resemble those of bumble bees. Distribution. Robber Fly captured a winged ant . Most Robber Flies are brown or reddish-brown in colour. ROBBER FLY FACTS: Identification Robber Flies are medium to large hunting flies with long strong legs used to catch prey on flight. The Robber Flies are air hunter. They also known as an Assassin Fly and Bee Killer. Large Robber Fly from California Robber flies range in length to almost 8 cm (3 inches), making them the largest of all flies.
Habitat. Robber flies are members of the family Asilidae and distant relatives of the common housefly. It is pictured on the Atlas of Living Australia and on Insect Net it is called a Hercules Robber Fly. The long legs are adapted to capture prey in flight …
Perhaps one of our readers will be able to assist in this identification. Between the large-faceted eyes is a moustache of bristles. Robber Flies - Family Asilidae. This page contains pictures and information about Robber Flies that we found in the Brisbane area, Queensland, Australia. Their appearance is somewhat frightening — after all, a big, hairy, humped flying insect isn’t usually a … They have strong legs which can catch prey on flight. We just received a comment that this is Neoaratus hercules, a large Robber Fly . Update: December 20, 2014. Most species have a beard of stiff bristles (called setae) around the proboscis. The abdomen is long and thin. Robber flies are large, bristly flies that catch their prey (usually other insects) mid-flight. They have large eyes, and distinct "neck" between the head and abdomen. Robber flies throughout Australia. Wasp and Robber Fly from Oman. Giant Yellow Robber Fly from Western Australia, possibly. Hanging Thief. Feeding and diet Robber flies generally establish a perching zone in which to locate potential prey.
Because of their size and active habits, robber flies are one of the more common flies seen in Sydney. This web site would not have been possible without the brilliant photographic skills of my colleague and sometimes co-author, Mr. Gerhard Weber of Adelaide, who has unselfishly given of his time and talents to produce the robber fly images. Asilidae seize their prey in flight and inject their victims with saliva containing neurotoxic and proteolytic enzymes ( Figure 9 ). I thank him profusely. Robber flies live in urban areas, forests and woodlands.
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