Identification, Images, & Information
For Insects, Spiders & Their Kin
For the United States & Canada
Photo#959135
Robber Fly - Mallophora fautrix

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.

Moved
Moved from Robber Flies.

Appears
to be a Mallophora species. They can fool you. And CA has a significant Laphria list but thoracica will be strictly eastern.

 
Thank you for the correction.
Yes, its Mallophora fautrix.

Moved
Moved from ID Request.