What are you looking at?

in insects •  6 years ago  (edited)

robber fly.jpg

Looking like a cyborg or as if it belongs in a biker gang, this creature with the gorgeous eyes is a fearsome predator. Robber Flies attack insects like bees as they are flying and grapple with them with those long, strong legs with hooked ends and pierce their unfortunate prey's thorax with their powerful proboscis (mouthparts). Quite fat and sluggish when not hunting, this one happily sat still while I photographed it from all angles.

robber fly2.jpg
A different view

I think that this one is Daspletis placodes and it preys on bees and wasps. I'm showing my age here but these creatures never fail to remind me of the Jeff Goldblum movie The Fly

Authors get paid when people like you upvote their post.
If you enjoyed what you read here, create your account today and start earning FREE STEEM!
Sort Order:  

cool photo!

Thank you!

Another masterpiece of Nature!

That they are!

Excellent photography. Very sharp and well defined image of such a small critter. I'm assuming this little beast is about 1 cm long? It looks very intimidating and I don't think I would be too comfortable with having it land on my body.

They are actually large, about 3cm long and yeah, they do tend to inspire loathing

Amazing photos!
But, this insect is terrible, it can be seen from its evil kind of!!!

Predators are necessary in this world

Agree! :-))

Oh wow, would you look at those legs!!
And feet!

Truly Great macro, love the details and wonderful colors. great photography. ❤

Outstanding photos. Gland I not a bee when these things are around.

You should be, I have seen their handiwork