The Asilidae are the robber fly family, also called assassin flies. They are powerfully built, bristly flies with a short, stout proboscis enclosing the sharp, sucking hypopharynx. [1][2] The name "robber …

Robber fly, (family Asilidae), any of about 6,750 species of predatory insects, worldwide in distribution, in the fly order, Diptera. Robber flies range in length to almost 8 cm (3 inches), making them the largest …

Feb 12, 2026 · Though it looks like a large bee, a Robber Fly is actually a fly so it does not sting. The sheer size of the insect can alarm people unfamiliar with it, but the loud buzzing it creates by …

Because of their large size and loud buzz when flying, these generalist predators are often confused with horse flies and other biting flies. However, because they are not blood feeders they will not fly …

Robber flies are distinctive, medium-sized to large, bristly or hairy flies. There are over 1,000 species of robber flies (family Asilidae) in North America; and nearly 100 have been recorded from the Upper …

May 27, 2024 · Robber flies (family Asilidae) are predatory true flies that capture other insects (and occasionally small arthropods) in flight or from perches, using strong legs and a piercing proboscis to …

Sep 29, 2025 · With their sharp vision, spiny legs, and piercing mouthparts, they play a crucial role in controlling insect populations. This guide highlights 20 fascinating species, providing key details on …

Adult robber flies perch on stems of low plants or other objects and attack prey in the air. They feed on bees, beetles, dragonflies, other flies, grasshoppers, leafhoppers, wasps, and other insects.

Robber flies are aerial predators of a variety of insects. They often perch in conspicuous locations and make short flights chasing prey. Most robber flies have a long, tapered abdomen, a rather …

Aug 23, 2025 · Robber flies are large (1/2 to 1 inch), aggressive predators that capture prey while in flight! They have prominent eyes, long legs and a tapered slender abdomen.