General Description

This species has large eyes, white hairs on the face, a powerful and dome-shaped thorax (chest), large wings and a long, thin abdomen. Body length up to 4 cm.

Biology

The name 'robberfly' reflects the notoriously aggressive predatory behaviour of these animals. They feed mainly on other insects. Their hunting method is to wait in ambush and then catch their prey in flight. They have a preference for hunting the introduced honey-bee.

Distribution

South-eastern Australia.

Habitat

Open eucalypt forests and woodlands.

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