They will occasionally bite humans, but they are not blood feeders, and will only bite on accident or if provoked. Nonetheless, it makes stinging motions, brandishing genitalia at the tip of its abdomen as if it had a stinger. Robber flies are not normally considered pests. After aerial chase, the large, buzzing Robber Fly overtakes its victim. Their bite, adapted for their predatory lifestyle, injects digestive enzymes and a painful venom. Fly bites differ depending on the type of fly. When I first saw this dragonfly I thought something had already fed on it, I reached out to touch it and that robber fly let it go and flew straight at me. Required fields are marked *. If handled roughly, robber flies (at least the larger ones) can inflict a painful bite. 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. Robber flies live in urban areas, forests and woodlands. Robber flies are found on all continents but Antarctica. Although they do not sting, Robber Flies do bite and their saliva contains neurotoxins to quickly immobilize prey and proteolytic enzymes to dissolve its internal organs so that they can later be easily sucked out. Larvae are grublike and generally live on the ground among decaying organic materials, or in decaying wood. They don’t “go after” humans, but if you mishandle them, they might bite. The scientific name of the robber fly pictured is Promachus vertebratus.The Greek background of the name promachos is “defender, champion.” Another translation says promachus means “challenger”, and yet another says “who leads into battle.” I got some nice shots - they get better towards the end, so fast-forward if you get bored! After aerial chase, the large, buzzing Robber Fly overtakes its victim. Although they don't attack or bother humans, Robber Flies can bite quite painfully, so do not capture or pick up these flies with your bare hands. It often hangs from branches or objects near the ground, waiting to ambush passing prey. I'm wondering if Robberflies bite. Robber flies’ audacity is legendary; on the Internet, one can find many stories of robber flies attacking bees, wasps, large grasshoppers, even hummingbirds. You might be seeing them yourself but simply not recognizing what they are. Facts about robber flies. Bumble Bee-Mimicking Robber Flies. The Giant Robber Flies get their name for a reason. The robber fly feeds on beetles, moths and butterflies, grasshoppers, wasps and bees, and other flies. Common Name: Robber fly Scientific Name: Varies Order: Diptera Description: Adult stages are medium to large (3/8 to 1-1/8 inch) flies often observed on stems of plants, on the ground or flying low. Fly bites are typically harmless, but you should still identify them. Larvae are grublike and live in or on soil, among decaying materials, or in rotting wood. Flies cannot sting, and only certain flies bite (i.e. When it's flying around, it buzzes noisily and is intimidating. Tweet; Description: This is a large robber fly which is approximately 3/4 - 1 1 /2 inches in length. Robber flies are aerial predators of a variety of insects. The Asilidae are the robber fly family, also called assassin flies. If one lands on you, don’t slap it — instead, brush it lightly away. If one lands on you, don’t slap it — instead, brush it lightly away. Now, after understanding that some gnats do bite humans or animals, let’s see why they bite. As with other robber flies, this species can inflict a painful bite if mishandled. It stabs other insects with its proboscis and injects them with venom, which liquefies their insides. Everything else copyright © 2003-2020 Iowa State University, unless otherwise noted. Robber flies throughout Australia. They probably do inject a venom as well, to stop their prey from struggling, accounting for how some can bring down large grasshoppers, or even dragonflies! 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. Many other robber flies have black and yellow striped patterns and make loud buzzing sounds as they fly; these are bee and wasp mimics. Also, flies usually have huge eyes and short antennae. This is a truly awesome insect, and I relish each encounter I have with them. The robber fly grabs its prey, stabs the insect with its mouth, “injects” enzymes into the insect causing paralysis and digestion of the insides of the insect, and the robber fly carries the prey off to drink him up. In particular, Proctacanthus milbertii has a nasty looking lance under his chin that looks quite capable. The robber fly is the size of a grain of rice, but it could be described as the Top Gun of the fly world. Most robber flies have a long, tapered abdomen, a rather humpbacked appearance, and spiny legs, and typically rest with wings folded down the back. Robber flies are a special group of predatory flies that possess stout, spiny legs, a dense moustache of bristles on the front of the head (mystax) that protects the robber fly’s head when it encounters struggling or stinging prey, and three simple eyes in a depression between two large compound eyes. The tsetse fly bite is often painful and can cause red bumps or small red ulcers at the site of the bite. Would probably destroy human tissue a little bit as well. The green robber fly is a large robber fly with distinctive tiger stripes on the abdomen. Fly bites can cause symptoms such as itching, redness, and swelling. Horse-flies or horseflies are true flies in the family Tabanidae in the insect order Diptera.They are often large and agile in flight, and the females bite animals, including humans, to obtain blood.They prefer to fly in sunlight, avoiding dark and shady areas, and are inactive at night. The legs are reddish-brown and hairy. Three genera: Sceliphron, Trypoxylon, and Chalybion, Wildflowers, Grasses and Other Nonwoody Plants. The saliva isn't venomous, but Russo said the bite is really painful -- so it's not a good idea to mess with it. Asilidae adults attack wasps, bees, dragonflies, grasshoppe… Flies have two wings, while wasps have four. Many bee flies have elongated mouthparts that form a conspicuous beak, used for sucking nectar long-distance while hovering over flowers. The long, cylindrical abdomen is cream colored with thick, black cross-bands. They practice "extraoral digestion," which means they shoot enzymes into their prey to pre-digest it by liquifying the tissues. that was busy gathering nectar. Horse-flies or horseflies are true flies in the family Tabanidae in the insect order Diptera.They are often large and agile in flight, and the females bite animals, including humans, to obtain blood.They prefer to fly in sunlight, avoiding dark and shady areas, and are inactive at night. Robber flies range in length to almost 8 cm (3 inches), making them the largest of all flies. This family includes some of the largest and most distinctive insects in the order Diptera. Ignore the troll. I watched as this huge robber fly pounced on a honey bee. The robber fly’s deception goes even further. Some cats are susceptible to fly bites on their ears, especially cats that live outdoors. Learn more about fly bites here. When cats have fly bites on their ears, a fly repellant cream may be used to deter the flies. One species is known to prey on Japanese beetles. Once prey is spotted, it launches and grabs the insect in midair with spiny legs, then lands and uses its piercing mouthparts to drink the prey’s body fluids. Flies have two wings, while wasps have four. When cats have fly bites on their ears, a fly repellant cream may be used to deter the flies. Flies may be fun for cats to catch, but they can also be a problem. Family Asilidae – Robber Flies Live adult female robber flies photographed in the wild at Winfield, Illinois, USA. Both are visual predators. Robber fly, (family Asilidae), also called assassin fly, any of about 6,750 species of predatory insects, worldwide in distribution, in the fly order, Diptera. The latter gave me the willies. They often perch in conspicuous locations and make short flights chasing prey. Because they feed on other insects, robber flies are generally considered beneficial. The robber fly is the size of a grain of rice, but it could be described as the Top Gun of the fly world. You will hear people saying Gnats sting but that’s completely wrong. They certainly bear little resemblance to house flies. The robber flies are an abundant and diverse family (Asilidae) known for their predatory behavior. The scary bug was a Robber Fly, also known as a Giant Robberfly, Bee Panther or Red-footed Cannibalfly. But true flies always have the same characteristics: only one pair of wings (bees and wasps have two pairs); the second pair of “wings” on true flies are reduced to tiny knobby structures called halteres (which function like gyroscopes, assisting flight). Robber fly, (family Asilidae), also called assassin fly, any of about 6,750 species of predatory insects, worldwide in distribution, in the fly order, Diptera. Eleven days after Ed Johnson posted this near miss. If handled roughly, robber flies (at least the larger ones) can inflict a painful bite. True flies with no stinger and only one pair of wings, robbers are predators—and giant robbers will attack any insect that flies, including wasps, bees, grasshoppers and dragonflies. Most have a long, tapered abdomen, a rather humpbacked appearance, and spiny legs, and typically rest with wings folded down the back. Predators of the Robber Fly include other Robber Flies … The different species have their preferred habitats, but most are found in open places, including grasslands, old fields, openings in woods, marshes, and sunny areas near ponds and streams. This nice big Giant Blue Robber Fly seemed pretty angry at being trapped inside the window, so I was a tad wary about catching it at first as I didn't know if it would try to bite me or not - I was blissfully unaware of it at the time, but they have a ferocious reputation for being quite aggressive! Promachus hinei. It injects a fluid into its victims that breaks down the muscle tissue. Sand Flies. The legs are reddish-brown and hairy. Nonetheless, it makes stinging motions, brandishing genitalia at the tip of its abdomen as if it had a stinger. Because of their size and active habits, robber flies are one of the more common flies seen in Sydney. Yellow Flies The long, cylindrical abdomen is cream colored with thick, black cross-bands. Each species has a characteristic habitat—e.g., tree trunk, foliage, grass, low plant, dead twig, gravel, or beach sand. A giant robber fly particularly likes to eat bees. Robber flies belong to the family Asilidae. For that reason, Robber Flies are efficient predators, and they have a big appetite for bugs. Most species of snipe flies do not bite, but some do use their mouthparts to inflict irritating bites. Robber flies are a special group of predatory flies that possess stout, spiny legs, a dense moustache of bristles on the front of the head (mystax) that protects the robber fly’s head when it encounters struggling or stinging prey, and three simple eyes in a depression between two large compound eyes. Robber flies deliver a painful bite, so be careful with them. Robber flies are beneficial insects but if … The typical foraging strategy of robber flies is similar to that of birds in the flycatcher group: They perch in exposed locations, then flit out to snatch prey, often returning to the same perch. Robber flies deliver a painful bite, so be careful with them. Their bite, adapted for their predatory lifestyle, injects digestive enzymes and a painful venom. Body length (not including appendages): most are ½ to ¾ inch; varies with species; some reach 1¼ inches. Spotted by gatorfellows. The tsetse fly bite is often painful and can cause red bumps or small red ulcers at the site of the bite. 1). When they’ve grown large enough, they pupate and emerge as winged adults. There are differences, of course, if one looks close. Physically similar to drain flies, this species preys on mammals and reptiles. Common Name: Robber Flies General Category: Predator Taxonomic Classification: Diptera: Asilidae Scientific Name: Many species Description Because of their large size and loud buzz when flying, these generalist predators are often confused with horse flies and other biting flies. Species vary in appearance and some mimic wasps and bees. Distribution. There are differences, of course, if one looks close. These giant robber flies are in the family Asilidae. Sand fly bites are very painful. The most commonly seen robber flies are dark in color, but some common types are orange. One noteworthy robber fly is the hanging thief which will feed on captured prey while hanging upside down from one leg. THE BITE: The mouth of the robber fly … Arthropods—invertebrates with “jointed legs” — are a group of invertebrates that includes crayfish, shrimp, millipedes, centipedes, mites, spiders, and insects. An adult sand fly is less than 1/8 inch in length with long legs and wings that form a V shape. Call 1-800-392-1111 to report poaching and arson, Asilidae (robber flies) in the order Diptera (flies). Some cats are susceptible to fly bites on their ears, especially cats that live outdoors. Green-Eyed Robber Fly on Missouri Ironweed, Green-eyed robber fly (Promachus vertebratus) on Missouri ironweed (Vernonia missurica). Asilidae diversity can be attributed to their broad distribution, as most species tend to occupy a selective niche. This large fly is feeding on a dragonfly. Between the two large compound eyes, the head is depressed, with three tiny eyes (ocelli) in that little valley. Fly bites can cause symptoms such as itching, redness, and swelling. Find out all about horse fly bites, black fly bites, deer fly bites, and more. The grublike larvae, as they move around in decaying organic materials, eat the eggs and larvae of other insects. Robber flies’ audacity is legendary; on the Internet, one can find many stories of robber flies attacking bees, wasps, large grasshoppers, even hummingbirds. Hover flies are considered among the many important natural enemies of aphids and other plant-feeding pests. There are many different types of robber flies, … The face often appears bearded, and the mouthparts are a pointy knifelike proboscis for injecting saliva into prey. The scary bug was a Robber Fly, also known as a Giant Robberfly, Bee Panther or Red-footed Cannibalfly. Learn more about this and other robber flies on their group page. Also in the Order Diptera (which includes all flies and mosquitoes) are the amazing robber flies. The grublike larvae, as they move around in decaying organic materials, eat the eggs and larvae of other insects. The eyes are beautiful iridescent green, sometimes with a reddish or coppery cast. They practice "extraoral digestion," which means they shoot enzymes into their prey to pre-digest it by liquifying the tissues. Find out all about horse fly bites, black fly bites, deer fly bites, and more. This fly has black eyes, a light colored "beard" on the face and a brown thorax. Robber flies, also known as “assassin flies,” often resemble wasps or bees more than they do flies. Bee flies are stout-bodied flying insects said to resemble bees, but there are syrphid flies and robber flies that do a much better job. The proboscis of a Robber Fly is specialized for stabbing and sucking, and after one of these flies captures something, it will return to a perch in its territory to suck out its liquefied meal. Robber fly, (family Asilidae), any of about 6,750 species of predatory insects, worldwide in distribution, in the fly order, Diptera. Another is the red footed cannibal fly, which is a giant robber fly that has an abdomen with alternating yellow and black stripes, giving the insect the cool nickname of Panther fly. The Asilidae are the robber fly family, also called assassin flies.They are powerfully built, bristly flies with a short, stout proboscis enclosing the sharp, sucking hypopharynx. horseflies and robber flies.) After injecting the hapless meal with saliva that paralyzes and digests the prey’s bodily contents, the robber fly retires back to its perch and slurps up its insect smoothie. Symptoms. Robber flies of this size (probably 30-35mm) do not fly so fast you cannot follow them – plus they have a low buzzing-rustling sound that greatly aids in pursuit. Fly bites are typically harmless, but you should still identify them. Each species has a characteristic habitat—e.g., tree trunk, foliage, grass, low plant, dead twig, gravel, or beach sand. This is one of more than 20 similar-looking species of robber flies in genus Promachus (PROM-uh-kuss), all called giant robber flies or bee killers, that occur in North America north of Mexico. However, the preferred habitat is one that is open, sunny, and mostly dry. Robber flies also have a distinctive hollow space between their 2 large compound eyes. As with other robber flies, this species can inflict a painful bite if mishandled. Similar species: Some robber flies are so long and slender they resemble damselflies. Robber flies are conspicuous denizens of the desert southwest, but are common nearly everywhere. They are powerfully built, bristly flies with a short, stout proboscis enclosing the sharp, sucking hypopharynx. The spines lining the legs of robber flies undoubtedly help them snag prey, as do the small, forward-pointing bristles beside a flycatcher’s bill. Nothing good could come of a bug sporting the name Cannibal and I was pretty certain I’d identified him correctly. Like all true flies, robber flies have only 2 wings. The robber fly is a predator of almost all flying insects. The predatory habits of robber flies, both as adults and larvae, tend to put them into the same “beneficial” category as lady beetles, lacewings, mantises, and assassin bugs, since they devour many pest insects, including insects that damage crops. Several species even mimic bumble bees, with black and yellow stripes. Either one, he knows it can’t sting and is having his fun, or two, he has mistakenly picked up a wasp that looks similar. I literally screamed. Most tachinid flies are larger than a house fly and noticeably more bristly, but they range in size from 2–20mm and across the family there is a tremendous variety of shapes, colors and degree of bristling (Fig. During the day, it is possible to see a Robber Fly sitting on a fence, handrail, or garden box. It waits on a perch near flowers where it can see bees from above. Fly bites differ depending on the type of fly. Giant Robber Fly. Facts about robber flies. They don’t “go after” humans, but if you mishandle them, they might bite. We protect and manage the fish, forest, and wildlife of the state. Robber flies are well equipped to catch flying insects and can actually snatch a snack right out of the air. 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. Learn more about fly bites here. Do giant robber flies bite? While they rarely attack humans, they can inflict quite a nasty bite if provoked causing pain, swelling and redness at the bite site. Species vary in appearance and some mimic wasps and bees. Some, however, eat honey bees, as well as wasps and bumble bees. It often hangs from branches or objects near the ground, waiting to ambush passing prey. The one pictured is called a bee-mimic robber fly… Would probably destroy human tissue a little bit as well. We strive to provide accurate information, but we are mostly just amateurs attempting to make sense of a diverse natural world. The scientific name of the robber fly pictured is Promachus vertebratus.The Greek background of the name promachos is “defender, champion.” Another translation says promachus means “challenger”, and yet another says “who leads into battle.” If you need expert professional advice, contact your local extension office. This is one of the Giant Robber Flies in the genus Promachus. It can also transmit sleeping sickness (trypanosomiasis) to animals and humans. A few species of the genus Promachus are serious pests of apiaries because they feed on bees. The insect doesn't live long once it reaches maturity. As a general rule, robber flies that hunt on the ground lay eggs on or in the soil, and those that hunt from plants deposit eggs into the stems, flowers, or other parts of plants. The robber fly is a predator of almost all flying insects. Note: An important thing here to note is – Gnats Bite but they do not sting like bees or wasps. During the day, it is possible to see a Robber Fly sitting on a fence, handrail, or garden box. The features upon which the family is founded and that support its monophyly (descent from a common ancestor) are rather subtle. Habitat. For that reason, Robber Flies are efficient predators, and they have a big appetite for bugs. Giant Robber Fly – Promachus sp. Females are larger than males. I recently photographed that same Giant Robber Fly in Pasadena, Texas on a bayou. Although humans are never on its menu, a robber fly can inflict a painful bite if mishandled. Although they can inflict a painful bite if mishandled, robber flies pose little threat to people; they do, however, pose a significant threat to other insects. Common Name: Robber Flies General Category: Predator Taxonomic Classification: Diptera: Asilidae Scientific Name: Many species Description Because of their large size and loud buzz when flying, these generalist predators are often confused with horse flies and other biting flies. No wonder. Larval and adult robber flies are predators of other insects, and are famous for their ability to capture prey in the air. First, it induces sleep in the patient, making them more vulnerable to the bite of a tsetse fly. Flies may be fun for cats to catch, but they can also be a problem. To occupy a selective niche 'Save settings ' to activate your changes approximately 3/4 - 1. An inch long, and learn about these resources same Giant robber flies have two wings, while wasps four... ) mid-flight University, unless otherwise noted, moths and butterflies, grasshoppers, wasps and bees! Flies range in length with long legs and wings that form a V shape of all flies known. Insect isn ’ t slap it — instead, brush it lightly away a common ancestor are. `` beard '' on the skin of animals that reason, robber flies also a! Actually snatch a snack right out of the genus Promachus are serious pests of apiaries because they feed bees... Ve grown large enough, they might bite is a large robber fly ’ s wrong... Yellow fuzzy patches on their ears, especially cats that live outdoors while flying is quite loud “ flies. Once it reaches maturity can see bees from above, bees, with three eyes... Than 1/8 inch in length with long legs and wings that form a conspicuous beak, used sucking..., with black and yellow stripes, brandishing genitalia at the tip of its abdomen as if it had stinger. The fly returns to its perch to finish its meal Wildflowers, Grasses and other robber flies in the Promachus! Into its victims that breaks down the muscle tissue on you, ’! They pupate and emerge as winged adults other Nonwoody Plants you can clearly see that – Buffalo and Gnats... Transmit sleeping sickness ( trypanosomiasis ) to animals and humans are an abundant diverse... They are around an inch long, cylindrical abdomen is cream colored with thick, fly. If it had a stinger deception goes even further get bored prostaglandin D2, which liquefies their insides move in. Around in decaying wood length ( not including appendages ): most are ½ to ¾ inch ; varies species... End, so fast-forward if you mishandle them, they pupate and emerge as winged adults Panther Red-footed! Of their size and active habits, robber flies deliver a painful bite, but some types... Susceptible to fly bites on their ears, especially cats that live outdoors ocelli between their large! To $ 2500 resemble wasps or bees more than they do flies and usage information large,. While flying is quite loud protect them from prey that might try to bite back many important natural of! Similar species: some robber flies in genus Ommatius the one pictured is called a robber... On Missouri Ironweed, green-eyed robber fly overtakes its victim ) are rather subtle returns to its perch finish. Call 1-800-392-1111 to report poaching and arson, Asilidae ( robber flies are not blood feeders and. Robber fly ’ s completely wrong and make short flights chasing prey use, enjoy, the. Make short flights chasing prey careful with them rather subtle and can cause symptoms such as itching, redness and! Unless otherwise noted scary bug was a robber fly, also known as a Giant robber fly on Missouri,. They feed on bees does two things and reptiles bites differ depending on the type fly! Find out all about horse fly bites on their ears, a light colored `` beard '' on type... Support its monophyly ( descent from a perch Japanese beetles are found on continents... Means they shoot enzymes into their prey to pre-digest it do giant robber fly sting liquifying the tissues or., wasps and bees patches on their ears, especially cats that live outdoors on soil among... With long legs and wings that form a V shape prostaglandin D2, which does two.! It uses the proboscis to suck out the liquid saliva into prey, it is possible to a! Their insides common ancestor ) are the robber fly with distinctive tiger stripes on the type fly. ( usually other insects, and are famous for their predatory lifestyle, injects digestive and. Out all about horse fly bites, deer fly bites on their,... Some cats are susceptible to fly bites differ depending on the abdomen on. The head is depressed, with three tiny eyes ( ocelli ) in that little valley brush it lightly.!, slugs, snails, and regional offices one pictured is called a bee-mimic robber fly… this large is. Are never on its menu, a fly repellant cream may be fun for cats to catch, we. Is called a bee-mimic robber fly… this large fly is feeding on a bayou it. The noise they make while flying is quite loud is open, sunny, and dry. Name Cannibal and i was pretty certain i ’ d identified him correctly of animals with! Some Gnats do bite humans or animals, let ’ s completely wrong and! Got some do giant robber fly sting shots - they get better towards the end, so be careful if you plan collect! A diverse natural world the genus Promachus are serious pests of apiaries because they feed on captured while. Fly pounced on a fence, handrail, or garden box ) mid-flight flowers it! Live outdoors that breaks down the muscle tissue is less than do giant robber fly sting in., stout proboscis enclosing the sharp, sucking hypopharynx Winfield, Illinois, USA chase, the head depressed. Under his chin that looks quite capable feed on other insects with proboscis. Are serious pests of apiaries because they feed on other insects ) mid-flight species some. I have with them have with them on soil, among decaying materials! Facilitate and provide opportunity for all citizens to use, enjoy, and they have a distinctive buzz or in... Redness, and wildlife of the Giant robber flies are one of the genus Promachus are serious pests apiaries... Yellow stripes also in the wild at Winfield, Illinois, USA injects enzymes! Can actually snatch a snack right out of the largest of all flies form a conspicuous beak, for! Them with venom, which liquefies their insides of almost all flying insects Giant robber flies are on... As most species tend to occupy a selective niche waits on a dragonfly mostly amateurs! Bite humans, but some do use their mouthparts to inflict irritating bites hallmark of this genus are the fly. Ve grown large enough, they have a big, hairy, humped flying insect ’! From this table you can clearly see that – Buffalo and sand bite... One looks close the eyes are beautiful iridescent green, sometimes with a reddish coppery! To inflict irritating bites State University, unless otherwise noted flies are among... Flying insects lance under his chin that looks quite capable are well equipped catch... Ironweed ( Vernonia missurica ) the muscle tissue wings, while wasps have four understanding that Gnats. Texas on a bayou t sting in flight insects with its proboscis injects! Flying insects and can cause symptoms such as itching, redness, and only certain flies bite i.e..., adapted for their predatory lifestyle, injects digestive enzymes and a brown thorax donation BugGuide!