Ran into a Robber Fly yesterday

[Jim in Idaho]

Took off my backpack, and this fly was on it, with a flying ant. Trying to get the camera out, and he carried it to a nearby dry leaf. Normally, these Robbers are really wary, but this one must have been so hungry, he didn't care.

 

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[BosnMate]

Darn sure interesting. I don't know if I've ever seen one of those. If I did see one I'd probably call it a horse fly.

 

[Jim in Idaho]

They actually prey on horseflies...often taking them right out of the air. They ignore humans, for the most part. I've rarely ever had one let me get this close. They're usually really wary about being approached. There are many in this insect family of aerial predators. Some feed on honeybees. Most aren't picky, and will kill whatever they can catch, including grasshoopers, wasps, bees, flying ants, you name it. This particular one is a Giant Robber Fly. They've got a nasty beak of a proboscis, which they use to suck the juices out of their prey...really nasty...LOL
Jim

 

[Jim in Idaho]

double post...have no idea why
Jim

 

[coinman123]

I see them around here, but never get any good photos of them, they normally fly away if I try to get my macro lens too close. Beautiful photos, I love insect photography.

 

[Jim in Idaho]

I see them around here, but never get any good photos of them, they normally fly away if I try to get my macro lens too close. Beautiful photos, I love insect photography.

Same here. I was really surprised I was able to take macro shots like that. That rarely happens with Robber Flies, as you say. Interesting critters.
Jim