Bee-like Robber Fly - Laphria astur

Moved

… Eric Matthews, 24 July, 2009 - 5:46pm

Bumble bees are vegetarians!

And the yellowjacket looks like it might be Vespula vulgaris

… Vespula Vulgaris, 24 July, 2009 - 2:22pm

Bumble bees

Yes I know they are veggies...that is why it was so strange to me...I was just foolish enough not to look at its feet our eyes...before I blurted out!

Thanks for the ID on the YJ

… Eric Matthews, 24 July, 2009 - 2:28pm

Keep stickin' your neck out, Eric.

We need brave shooters here! Slow down just a tad, and you'll be fine. Nice images!

… Ron Hemberger, 24 July, 2009 - 4:48pm

looking

Yes...I am really trying to thumb through the images that I suspect....sometimes its hard to find a starting point, but the more I slow down and get experience hopefully the less ID. Up to 80 unique specimens on my website now. And couldn't have done it without "Bugguides" help. This one really spooked me!

… Eric Matthews, 24 July, 2009 - 4:53pm

People here are eager to ID your photos.

Keep posting. Glad to hear about the progress on your website.

… Ron Hemberger, 24 July, 2009 - 5:05pm

Not a bumblebee

That handsome looking fellow is a Bee-like robber fly. Awesome shot by the way. They are such a finicky insect it is often very difficult to get a good shot.

… Jerrod Johnson, 24 July, 2009 - 1:48pm

tough

Yes he settled in a tall arvavida bush...so probably felt secure!

… Eric Matthews, 24 July, 2009 - 2:12pm

looks like a Laphria genus robberfly + yellowjacket

Not this exact one, but same genus maybe. I think the victim is a yellowjacket. Wait for the experts.

… Andrew Williams, 24 July, 2009 - 1:44pm

Laphria

it's a Laphria, Herschel ought to know which one

… Will Chatfield-Taylor, 24 July, 2009 - 1:57pm

of course!

I forgot about the eyes and feet of Robber Flies! So distinctive!
Thank you! I gotta get better at this!

… Eric Matthews, 24 July, 2009 - 1:48pm

Yes, you do:-)

Need to get better....This is probably Laphria astur, the only species I know of in that area. Nice find, they are not uncommon, but seldom seen.

… Eric R. Eaton, 24 July, 2009 - 2:51pm

Thanks

I'll go ahead a move it. fascinating..little guy

… Eric Matthews, 24 July, 2009 - 5:45pm

Better

I am trying!

I'll go ahead and move it.

Thank you

… Eric Matthews, 24 July, 2009 - 2:56pm