rook
New Member
Posts: 10
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Post by rook on Apr 12, 2021 20:43:28 GMT -8
About 1.5" Found while clearing land in Plantersville, TX. This was near a fire and this guy was laying motionless on a log. I picked it up and moved it over to the top of my cooler thinking it was dead but it flew off a few hours later. It does appear a bit fuzzy (for lack of a better descriptor). This is either the only one on the acre or there are very few others. I only see it / them every other day or so.  |
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Post by trehopr1 on Apr 12, 2021 21:55:54 GMT -8
What you have there is a very attractive species of Robber fly (Family: Asilidae).
That is indeed a gorgeous species with smoky colored wings. Very distinctive...
These are predatory flies upon many other insects. Once again, I'm certain some of
our Texas members can give you a species name on it as it is such a standout species !
*Very happy to see a new member with such skills at posting pictures so quickly. This
seems a "vexing" task for many new folks requesting identifications.
If you should find anything else of curiosity (insect related); then post them and we can
help you as this forum has a vast range of knowledgeable members !
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Post by livingplanet3 on Apr 13, 2021 6:03:52 GMT -8
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rook
New Member
Posts: 10
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Post by rook on Apr 13, 2021 20:22:56 GMT -8
Very cool. Thanks for the help. I can't find a lot of info on this but what I have read is very interesting. trehopr1 Thanks, I read through a lot of other post and found the help that Adam posted on several of them helpful with the pictures and needed info. I have seen a lot of cool things while working on this land but cannot always get the camera out in time. I watched a black wasp with an orange band (I think) dragging a spider across the ground. I would love to find our what the heck was happening but did not have a way to record it at the time. If I get a chance to get good pictures of any more, I will be sure to post. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. |
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Post by Adam Cotton on Apr 14, 2021 0:38:09 GMT -8
rook said: "I watched a black wasp with an orange band (I think) dragging a spider across the ground. I would love to find our what the heck was happening" The wasp had stung the spider to immobilise it and was taking it away to a nest where it would lay an egg in it. The larva hatches from the egg and eats the comatose spider from the inside. Once it is fully grown the larva pupates and an adult wasp will hatch to mate and repeat the process. Adam.
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