Robber flies in the genus Laphria can do a convincing job of making you think they are a bee (many species tending to resemble bumblebees). However, unlike the insects they are trying to mimic, they have no interest in flowers, nectar or pollen. As described in the Kaufman Field Guide to Insects of North America, robber flies “are to other insects what falcons are to other birds: swift predators on the wing.” Adults often sit on a perch, waiting for a flying insect to pass by. As fast and agile hunters, robbers easily dash out to intercept their next meal in mid-flight. Surprisingly little information was found online into the livelihood of Laphria asturina.
Size: About 1 inch
Photo by: Glenn Marangelo on 7/15/22 SW of Phillipsburg, MT