Giant Yellow Robber Fly
Scientific Name: Blepharotes coriarius
Size: Total Length 45 mm
What does it look like?
The Giant Yellow Robber Fly is large, grey and black, with bright yellow hairs on upper surface of abdomen and greyish-brown wings extending beyond tip of abdomen.
Where is it found?
It has been recorded over much of Australia, including Qld, NSW, Vic, SA and southern WA.
What are its habitats & habits?
The Giant Yellow Robber Fly occurs in forests, woodland and gardens, where its loud buzzing flight often betrays its presence when it is not perched on side of tree, branch or vegetation. It preys on other insects, including beetles and other flies, which are typically caught in mid-air using its strong claws. Once caught, the helpless victim is then pierced with the robber flies proboscis and injected with toxic saliva and digestive enzymes before its body contents are sucked out.
This species features in my book A Naturalist’s Guide to the Insects of Australia
