Who's seen a Hornet Robber Fly (Asilus crabroniformis)?

[clicka15]

Hello again.

I saw a Hornet Robber Fly while I was walking over the Downs today. It was a sinister-looking blighter, and I hadn't seen one before (Neoitamus cyanurus is the more commonly seen species).

My inquisitive nature led me to check it out once I'd got home, and I was pleased to learn that it is nationally scarce - pleased I'd seen something rare, not pleased the species is struggling.

Anyway, I thought I'd ask how many other people had seen one. I found three previous reported sightings on my bit of the Sussex Downs going back 35 years or so, so I'm guessing they're not seen too often.

Thanks,
Steven.

[wyevilla]

One landed on my arm about 10 years ago at Bovington, Dorset.

To say it made me jump would be an understatement (I nearly took off!). Very impressive insect but it does look so menacing.

Yes, I know its harmless but some things go beyond logic!

[eucera]

Seen quite a few over the years:

Several sites on the Dorset heaths (near Wareham). Crymlyn area in South Wales.... and in a number of places on the chalk near Salisbury, where it can be quite plentiful in good years

[Gue Jam Fowsid]

I just checked out what these guys look like on the net. I've seen these quite a few times on heathland in Surrey. I'll be sure to take a pic next time I see one! I didn't know that they were nationally scarce.

[aeshna5]

Yes I've seen one on one of the downs in Wiltshire.

[tr33lo]

I saw my first one the other day!! frightened me to death as it flew past my head
but i did manage to follow it and take a few photos
for those that haven't seen one:




Jon

[jordanno]

ive seen lots of black robber flies in ynslas, borth

[clicka15]

Originally Posted by tr33lo

for those that haven't seen one:

Nice photo.

[GuyF]

I saw my first few of these this year on the Dorset heathlands. They're really spectacular, I thought they were Hornets at first until I saw one landed.
Nice photos Jon.
Guy

[Gill Catton]

I saw two pair at Lough Down near Reading last year, they were way too fast for pics though!