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Photo#303489
Bee Killer - - Mallophora bomboides

Bee Killer - - Mallophora bomboides
Juno Beach, Palm Beach County, Florida, USA
July 12, 2009
Size: 4 cm (1-1/2 inches)
Saw this insect one day when it seemed to be feeding on a bee. . .I didn't photograph it at that time. Several days later, there was a tremendous thunderstorm building and the insect was "holding on" to the drain strip around my pool. . .the wind was fierce. . .I photographed it, then went inside out of the rain. . .later I saw that the insect had remained there and looked "drowned" by the downpour. I put it onto a piece of paper (to blot off the water) and set it in a safer place but it died. Final image is after it had died. . .legs are folded up. Legs were thick and hairy. . .

Images of this individual: tag all
Bee Killer -  - Mallophora bomboides Bee Killer -  - Mallophora bomboides Bee Killer - - Mallophora bomboides Bee Killer -  - Mallophora bomboides

Mallophora bomboides
This looks like M. bomboides to me.

Bee killer
This is a robber fly (Asilidae). They catch and eat bees and other insects.
Check out this webpage from UF
http://www.entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/misc/flies/bee_killers.htm

 
Mallophora
Thank you !! Yes, that would explain my first sighting where it seemed to be eating a bee. Big fella!