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The robber flies are an abundant and diverse family (Asilidae) known for their predatory behavior. Asilidae diversity can be attributed to their broad distribution, as most species tend to occupy a selective niche. ... Asilidae adults attack wasps, bees, dragonflies, grasshoppers, other flies, and some spiders.
- What does a robber fly?
- Why is it called a robber fly?
- Are robber fly dangerous?
- How does a robber fly kill?
- How long does a robber fly live?
- How long do robber flies live?
- What happens if a robber fly bites you?
- What is a robber fly look like?
- Are robber flies rare?
- Do robber flies eat mosquitoes?
- Can robber flies kill hummingbirds?
- Are assassin flies poisonous to humans?
What does a robber fly?
This fly is a member of the family Asilidae, better known as robber flies. Robber flies and their larvae are voracious predators of a wide variety of pests: beetles, wasps, grasshoppers, leafhoppers, wasps and others.
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| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Common Name: | Robber Flies |
| Type of Beneficial: | Insect predator |
Why is it called a robber fly?
The name "robber flies" reflects their notoriously aggressive predatory habits; they feed mainly or exclusively on other insects and as a rule they wait in ambush and catch their prey in flight.
Are robber fly dangerous?
Robber fly insects are a mixed blessing to gardeners; if they're seriously perturbed, they can inflict a painful bite, but they also help rid the garden of harmful pests like grasshoppers, other flies, wasps, leafhoppers, white grubs and pupating beetles.
How does a robber fly kill?
Robber's modified mouthparts form a stiff, hollow beak that serves first as a dagger, then as a hypodermic needle and finally as a straw. When robbers impale prey they inject both neurotoxins and digestive enzymes. The neurotoxins quickly subdue and soon kill the prey.
How long does a robber fly live?
They grow through several larval instars, then pupate, and emerge as adults. Larval Robber flies are also predacious. They usually live in soil or rotten wood and overwinter in this developmental stage. The life cycle of a robber fly can take 1-3 years.
How long do robber flies live?
Complete development ranges from one to three years, depending on species and environmental conditions. Theodor (1980) proposed that larval growth is accelerated in warmer regions and that many Asilidae species live no longer than one year.
What happens if a robber fly bites you?
Robber flies are conspicuous denizens of the desert southwest, but are common nearly everywhere. ... Robber flies, also known as “assassin flies,” often resemble wasps or bees more than they do flies. They certainly bear little resemblance to house flies. They don't carry diseases or bite people, either.
What is a robber fly look like?
Robber flies range in length to almost 8 cm (3 inches), making them the largest of all flies. ... Most are dull in colour, and their stout, often hairy, bodies resemble those of bumble bees. Between the large-faceted eyes is a moustache of bristles.
Are robber flies rare?
Robber flies grab their insect prey with their bristly legs then kill it with an injection of neurotoxic saliva from their proboscis. ... It is a very rare animal in a rare habitat; it's one of our endangered insects.
Do robber flies eat mosquitoes?
Robber flies are predatory and eat other insects, making them a beneficial insect for the garden. Robber flies have big appetites for grasshoppers, mosquitoes and other insects and attack their prey while airborne.
Can robber flies kill hummingbirds?
Insects can be Hummingbird Predators. Robber Fly - a 4 inch fly that can wrap its wings around a hummingbird preventing it from flying away. Then it kills the hummingbird without much problem.
Are assassin flies poisonous to humans?
It's because they like to bite the lips and eyes of humans while they sleep. Gross. Fact #2: These bugs not only bite, but their "kiss" can spread a parasite that causes Chagas disease, which can cause damage to major organs, lead to heart failure, and even be fatal.
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