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Photo#1439473
Asilid - Dasylechia atrox

Asilid - Dasylechia atrox
Hickory Hill Conservancy Park in Cross Plains, Dane County, Wisconsin, USA
September 1, 2017
I had the privilege of this beauty using me as a dinner table.

It was between 10:30AM and 11:00AM and I had just taken a step or two off the path into the forest edge vegetation when I heard a loud buzz approach me from the rear and abruptly stop. I thought maybe something had landed on me or my backpack. I very gingerly removed my backpack and set it down on the path. While doing so, I glanced down and was extremely and pleasantly surprised to see this scene.

I took a few shots from different angles. I assume it must have gotten fed up with the flash as it took off, circled and landed on my right shoulder/upper back. I tried to coax it onto the finger of my left hand but it ended up tumbling over into my hand instead. It seemed to panic and took off again, dropping the yellowjacket. It landed on a bare tree branch about 12-15 feet off the ground. Eventually it took off and climbed into the higher branches of a hickory tree and I did not see it again.

Images of this individual: tag all
Asilid - Dasylechia atrox Asilid - Dasylechia atrox Asilid - Dasylechia atrox

I can list
the species of robber that have landed on me. This is not one of them.

WOW, fabulous! This is the mo
WOW, fabulous! This is the most amazing robber fly event I've ever "seen". You are the Master, Jeff -- the robber fly whisperer!

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