If you think this robber fly looks big, that's because it is kind of big. It looked to be about the same length as a bumblebee. That tail looks kind of like a scary stinger, but I'm pretty sure it's just a long tail, an ovipositor. That doesn't mean this robber fly isn't something to be avoided though. They can bite.
This one didn't seem to be very bothered by my presence there. That's usually a sign that a creature either can defend itself pretty well or that it's sick. This bug was definitely not sick. So I decided that it might be wise to watch it closely while I took my pictures of this ugly bug.
This particular fly is a killer. It stabs other insects with its proboscis and injects them with venom, which liquefies their insides. Then it uses the proboscis to suck out the liquid. A giant robber fly particularly likes to eat bees.
It waits on a perch near flowers where it can see bees from above. It will then swoop down and grab them right out of the sky. When it's done eating the bee, it drops them onto the ground. They are known to leave bunches of bees near the same close area.
Today's bug was a truly ugly creature. Nature isn't always pretty. Tomorrow I'll bring you something more on the pretty side of nature. After all, it's mostly the beauty we like to focus on anyway. But sometimes we have to remember that the ugly is out there too, like this robber fly.
Nature Center Magazine - Today Copas takes us on a tour of the state of Maine. Maine is known for its beautiful nature, so this should be good one.
That looks like the one I found on my basement window a month or so ago. It is an ugly looking thing. I never did investigate to try and find out what it is but I'll go with what you found.
ReplyDeleteNature is always beautiful, only our eyes and mind tell a different story.
ReplyDeleteI don't very often disagree with you but I think the robberfly is beautiful. It has developed very specific body parts and behaviors that allow it to keep other insects in check; all part of the marvelous design by nature.
ReplyDeleteYour observation skills are well honed, Ratty. You see things that go unnoticed by most. Have these become better with your nature walks or have you always had them?
Bill:www.wildramblings.com
This is a rather large family of predators. Found one like this in my pool the other day and it didn't want to let go of the net after I skimmed it out.I too find insects unique and always have two books nearby to identify them with.They recently picked the top 20 bug blogs and a friend has them listed in her blog, http://mobugs.blogspot.com which was #12.
ReplyDeletei agree, nature is not always pretty, but somehow the fly does not look so ugly, i find its eyes so penetrating cute, maybe it is just the critter inside of me :)
ReplyDeleteThanks! I would not have recognized that one on sight. Now perhaps I will remember.
ReplyDeleteThis is a cool post! I learned from gardening this year that flies can be predators as well. I had no idea.
ReplyDeleteI can see why you said it's ugly; part of me wants to shudder seeing it because it's a little creepy-looking. The other part of me, though, agrees with those who have expressed that it has beauty. It's an interesting creature!
ReplyDelete@Bill
ReplyDeleteIn the way you put it, I agree, the robber fly is really a beautiful creature. That's actually the way I see things in most animals too, including this fly. But for most people it is a big ugly, scary looking fly. I think seeing the ugly is our first instinct until we learn more about something. I sometimes write some of these things for the benefit of that point of view.
Any powers of observation I have were always a part of me. I have always before used them for very different things than nature. Maybe everything I've done before was practice to help me learn this subject I love so much a little more quickly.
That bug sounds SCARY!! I hope it isn't cloned in some laboratory and mated with an alien and then..we'd be in so much trouble!! I mean, seriously..it liquifies the insides of their victims!!?? YIKES
ReplyDeleteHm. I might want to take a bite out of that robber fly. Sure, it is kind of ugly, but you humans eat shrimp and they aren't winning any beauty awards, either.
ReplyDeleteNice macro Ratty. I have seen one that was called a Bee Killer, another member of the Robber Fly family. But that was awhile ago and maybe they are the same.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't particularly want that Robber fly to pay me a visit....actually, I wouldn't welcome any fly. They are NOT my favorite insects at all. Lady bugs, yes, flies, no.
ReplyDeleteSome critters are not pretty, but they are still part of our life, and nature..It's a very interesting looking fly!
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