That was one of my possibilities, but I was far from sure. What key characteristic(s) did you focus on for the ID? I'm trying to compile a species list of all the plants and animals I'm finding on our 10 acres, as we work to restore it as much as possible, so any hints to help me in the future are greatly appreciated!

Gaia the key characters for this species are the bronzy green eyes, golden abdomen with no tiger stripes and the male has the white tail hairs. There is at least 2 other similarly (1-1/2") sized Promachus species and a 3rd that is a bit smaller. The other 3 all have tiger stripes on their abdomens. I have all 4 species within 1/2 mile of my house in SE Ne. along with another similarly sized species that is not Promachus. Here is the keys for the 4 species.

1) fitchii - green eyes, no stripes, male with white tail, grassland
2) hinei - brown eyse, tiger stripes, closer to trees and tree lines
3) vertebratus - green eyes, tiger stripes, grassland
4) bastardii - brown eyes, tiger stripes, smaller, more facial hair than hinei and male has white tail hairs.

Hope this helps -- here is a link to my robber flickr page

http://www.flickr.com/photos/drogerscollections/collections/72157636259485955/

This is such a help, as I frequently see (and often photograph) robber flies. You've provided me with a great summary...and the photos and identifications you've got set up at your robber fly flickr page are superb and will serve as a wonderful resource in the future. Thanks.

I hadn't thought of doing that - sort of a head slap moment when you mentioned it! I always check the range and the locale of any species that seem to be possibilities, but cross-referencing the state and month takes the narrowing one step further. I appreciate the hint.