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Asilidae (Robber Fly)
Identification
- Robber flies have hairy bodies and powerful piercing-sucking mouthparts. The tops of their heads behind the eyes
are hollowed out. Robber flies usually have long, tapering abdomens.
- Most are 1/2 - 1 inch long.
Host Range
- Both adults and larvae are predatory and adults feed on small insectsÑleafhoppers, small beetles, wasps, bees, and grasshoppers. Larvae feed on small, soil-inhabiting insects.
Life Cycle
- Robber flies have complete metamorphosis and larvae and pupae live in the soil. Robber flies have 1 generation per year.
Other information
- Robber flies feed on beneficial as well as pest species.
- Adults, if handled, can give humans a painful bite.
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