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Violet Black-legged Robberfly (Dioctria atricapilla)
It could almost be mistaken for a common or garden fly (and robberflies are 'true flies') but like all robberflies, this is actually a superb flyer, no respecter of reputations and a ruthlessly efficient killing machine.
The violet black-legged robber fly, "Dioctria atricapilla", is a species of robber fly in the subfamily Dasypogoninae. This 9- to 12-millimeter long insect has a wingspan of roughly 7 to 9 mm and short, three-segmented antennae. It's a predatory insect, feeding mainly on smaller flies and predatory hymenopterans. It primarily thrives in grassland, and is seen from May to July.
Similar species: True Flies
By Philip Booker
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Uploaded Feb 5, 2022. Captured Jun 30, 2021 15:00 in 33 Crespin Way, Brighton BN1 7FG, UK.
