Machimus rusticus (Downland Robberfly)

Also known as 'the Assassin fly', for good reason.

A superb flyer, the Robberfly will catch its prey mid-air, immediately injecting it with venom to paralyse it before settling, on its roost-leaf while the venom liquefies the poor victim's innards. This allows the Robberfly to suck his meal up though its proboscis.

Delightful!

The video accompanying the photo is available here:

comments (7)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

At first sight a couple in love. At second sight, insect milkshake.

Superb post. Posted 5 years ago, modified 5 years ago
1. Philip Booker
  
  Lion
  
  I like it :-) Posted 5 years ago

Flown Kimmerling

Lion

AWESOME! Posted 5 years ago

Jivko Nakev

Lion

They are so difficult to ID! Posted 5 years ago
1. Philip Booker
  
  Lion
  
  They are indeed.
  
  However, in this case I live on downland chalk hillside, within a few minutes walk of a local NNR, so I put that together with information from this excellent site,I found, which makes me very confident on this ID.
  
  https://www.flickr.com/photos/63075200@N07/collections/72157629282158494/
  
  However, I'm never averse to being corrected. I'd rather get an accurate ID than assume I'm right. Posted 5 years ago

Christine Young

Lion

Fantastic spotting, Philip! Welcome to JungleDragon! Posted 5 years ago
1. Philip Booker
  
  Lion
  
  Thank you.
  
  I'm very pleased to have discovered it.
  
  pk Posted 5 years ago