Robber Fly help

sebastianbawn · #1 (**permalink**) 22-05-2009, 09:01 PM

First Robber Fly I have ever seen! It dizzily flew through they are and landed with a fly in its grasp! Can anyone Id it for me please

oxycera · #2 (**permalink**) 22-05-2009, 09:30 PM

'fraid it's a empid, Empis tessellata

sebastianbawn · #3 (**permalink**) 22-05-2009, 10:05 PM

Thanks Oxy. I see its common name is a Dance Fly, so Im guessing I was wrong with Robber Fly. Could this prey have been a gift for a loved one or is it the wrong time of year. I watched him for a good 5 mins (could he have just been eating his prey himself?

Also if anyone can ID the prey I would be most greatful

sebastianbawn · #4 (**permalink**) 22-05-2009, 10:05 PM

oh sorry, and is it male or female?

oxycera · #5 (**permalink**) 23-05-2009, 07:08 AM

first pic looks like a female; other pics maybe a male but perhaps the same specimen? You'll recognise a robber-fly when you see one, they have a distinctive 'jizz' even if they come in different shapes and sizes.