|
Robber flies
form a large distinctive family consisting of mostly medium to large
sized flies. They are usually easy to recognise with their thin
neck and large prominent eyes which are separated by a groove along
the top of the head. The face of these flies often appears to have
a beard of sorts as they have distinctive hairs or setae surrounding
the mouthparts. The thorax is also covered in hairs.
Robber flies are efficient
predators of other flying insects. Adults catch prey on the wing and can
kill insects larger than themselves. Robber flies can often be observed
resting on tree trunks, branches, walls or other vertical surfaces. Their
larvae are also active predators and live in the soil.
For
more robber fly species visit the Australian
Insect Common
Names
|
