Robber Fly - Mallophora fautrix Burbank, Los Angeles County, California, USA July 4, 2014 Size: 1.5 cm
Th Robber Fly, Mallophora fautrix. It is going after the large bugs, because its toward the end of June bug season, so this one can take down pretty large prey. Its coloring and markings mimic a bumblebee, so that it has the evolutionary advantage of a warning sign without having to invest a high metabolic cost in venom production. Many variations are found around the world including fossils described as far back as about 34MYA. I’m thankful to have learned that they are of benefit in keeping down the insect population.
Contributed by Laura James on 17 July, 2014 - 12:02pm Last updated 19 September, 2014 - 7:12am |