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Home » Forums » General Discussion

Do Robberflies bite/sting humans?

I'm wondering if Robberflies bite. In particular, Proctacanthus milbertii has a nasty looking lance under his chin that looks quite capable.

Also, do Robberflys inject a venom into their prey?

....Ed Johnson....
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Contributed by Ed Johnson on 28 August, 2006 - 4:31pm

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Robber fly kills bird
Eleven days after Ed Johnson posted this near miss he observed a Mallophora successfully kill a hummingbird. Thanks to Eric Fisher for the link.
… Warren, 26 August, 2008 - 10:47pm login or register to post comments

Yes.
If handled roughly, robber flies (at least the larger ones) can inflict a painful bite. They practice "extraoral digestion," which means they shoot enzymes into their prey to pre-digest it by liquifying the tissues. Would probably destroy human tissue a little bit as well. They probably do inject a venom as well, to stop their prey from struggling, accounting for how some can bring down large grasshoppers, or even dragonflies!
… Eric R. Eaton, 28 August, 2006 - 7:21pm login or register to post comments

 
Thanks
Thanks, Eric.

I saw a Mallophora leschenaulti (Beelzebub Bee-eater) attack and chase a Hummingbird today! Fortunately, he never did make contact and the hummingbird could fly faster than the huge robber and got away. We've had a number of these Mallophora around my place in the Texas Hill Country lately.

....Ed....
… Ed Johnson, 28 August, 2006 - 7:38pm login or register to post comments

 
-
I'm the "predator defender".
Without them, the animals they eat become less healthy. Predators are possibly the most important animals to have around. It can be sad to see them catch a "cute" animal meal, but those cutties need it in the long run.
(BTW: hummingbirds kill thousands of bugs in their life)
… Matt Edmonds, 27 August, 2008 - 8:47pm login or register to post comments

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