Robber Fly - Promachus rufipes
by Carol Senske
Title
Robber Fly - Promachus rufipes
Artist
Carol Senske
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
This is one of the larger "robber flies", sometimes called Beast of the East. They are voracious eaters and will hunt and capture prey as large as butterflies. They have a piercing mouthpart that they use to inject a paralyzing and dissolving mix of enzymes into their meal, then the proboscis is used like a straw to drink the resulting fluid. These are fierce predators, but they pose no risk to people.
They are most numerous in August and September in our area (Montgomery County, PA). This picture was taken August 8, 2008.
For a bit more info on these interesting insects, visit:
http://www.visitingnature.com/promachusrufipes.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asilidae
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December 16th, 2011
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Viewed 158 Times - Last Visitor from Wilmington, DE on 04/19/2024 at 5:58 AM
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Comments (4)
Joy DiNardo Bradley DiNardo Designs
Thanks for posting this one Carol. I have a photo of one..interesting creature..just have not researched it as of yet.
Carol Senske replied:
Hi, Joy:>) There are quite a few types and they come in all sizes, but no matter the size they are expert (and strong) predators. I've never heard of a person being "bitten"; it probably could happen if yo held it in your hand for a period of time, but they are not to be feared. Instead, we should thank them for all the bugs they eat. Have a beautiful Christmas/holiday!
Sharon Burger
He looks pretty wicked.
Carol Senske replied:
Good morning:>) They are certainly efficient in what they do. Handsome, though!
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