Challenge: Free Study 2026-03 (Standard Editing)
Collection: 2025-26 - CHALLENGES and associated
Camera: Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III
Lens: OM System 90mm f/3.5 Macro IS PRO M.Zuiko Digital ED
Date: Mar 18, 2026
Aperture: 4.0
ISO: 320
Shutter: 1/80
Galleries: Macro, Insects, etc
Date Uploaded: Mar 28, 2026
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Robber flies (family Asilidae), also known as assassin flies, are large, bristly, and aggressive aerial predators that hunt other insects mid-flight. Identified by their sunken, "bearded" face and robust bodies, they use a sharp, rigid, tube-like proboscis to pierce prey and inject paralyzing liquifying venom. They inhabit urban, woodland, and open areas, often found resting on branches or sunny ground while hunting.
Key Characteristics and Behavior:
Appearance: They have prominent compound eyes, spiny legs for catching prey, and a noticeable "beard" of bristles (setae) on their face which protects them during feeding. They range from 0.3 to over 5 cm in length.
Diet: As generalist predators, they eat most flying insects, including wasps, bees, dragonflies, beetles, and grasshoppers.
Hunting: They are ambush predators that fly from a perch to capture prey on the wing, acting like air-based assassins.
Life Cycle: Females lay eggs in soil, bark, or decaying wood. The larvae are also predatory, feeding on eggs, larvae, or other soft-bodied insects in the soil.
Habitat: They prefer sunny, open areas like gardens, fields, and forest edges. |
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