NATURAL ENEMIES

---

Click on image to view larger.

Robber flies Description: Adult stages are medium to large (3/8 to 1 1/8 inch) flies which are often observed on stems of plants, on the ground or flying low. Species vary in appearance and some mimic wasps and bees. Most species are gray to black, hairy-bodied, have a long, narrow, tapering abdomen containing segments that may be banded, patterned or contrasting in color. The heads of adults have a depression between the eyes when viewed from the front. They have long, strong legs for grabbing prey. Benefit: Adult robber flies perch on stems of low plants or other objects and attack prey in the air. They feed on bees, beetles, dragonflies, other flies, grasshoppers, leafhoppers, wasps, and many other insects. Life cycle: Adults oviposit eggs in the soil or in plants. Eggs hatch into slender, shiny, white, legless larvae that develop through several instars before pupating. Life cycle usually requires more than 1 year to complete.