Robber Fly
Scientific Name: Colepia ingloria
Size: Total Length 30 mm
What does it look like?
The Robber Fly is large, grey and brown, with reddish legs and greyish-brown wings not extending beyond tip of abdomen.
Where is it found?
It occurs in eastern Australia, from north-eastern Qld to eastern Vic.
What are its habitats & habits?
The Robber Fly occurs in forests, woodlands and gardens, where its buzzing flight often betrays its presence. At rest it perches on tree trunks, branches, vegetation or on the ground. The Robber Fly preys on other insects, including beetles and other flies, typically caught in mid air using its strong claws. The helpless victim is then pierced with its proboscis and injected with toxic saliva and digestive enzymes before the body contents are sucked out.
This species features in my book A Naturalist’s Guide to the Insects of Australia
