Unlike most Flies, Robber Flies are neither pests, nor do They spread disease. Instead, Robber Flies eat Bees. They received their name from living around Honey Bee farms, and gobbling up the Bees when the Bees returned to their hives. Most Beekeepers regard Robber Flies as thieves.
Resembling a Wasp, Robber Fly is noted for voracious attacks on other Insects. Robber Fly waits in open sunlit areas where He can command a good view of passing Insects, then flies out to catch his prey. (The Fly's favorite food is small Bees and Wasps.) Once the prey is in his bristly legs, Robber Fly kills the unfortunate Insects with toxic saliva injected through his short proboscises.
Robber Fly teaches how to achieve your goal. Think about Robber Fly intercepting the flight path of his prey. The Robber Fly must judge the speed, trajectory, and the distance of his prey. Watch Him as He catches his prey. Keep focus as Robber Fly does and you will go far in your journey.
Conservation Note: In parts of Canada, the Robber Fly is considered an endangered species.
Robber Fly Photo copyrighted by Dexter Sear, IO Vision.
Va. Carper
March 31, 2003