Where do robber flies live?

Where do robber flies live?

Although there are over 1,000 species in the United States alone, they prefer arid, sunny habitats like deserts. A few robber fly species are found in woodland settings, but they tend to congregate along the edge of the forest, or in grasslands.

Do robber flies migrate?

Robber flies overwinter as larvae and pupate in the soil. Pupae migrate to the soil surface and emerge as adults, often leaving behind their pupal casing (Figure 8). Complete development ranges from one to three years, depending on species and environmental conditions.

Can robber flies bite humans?

Robber flies are not normally considered pests. They will occasionally bite humans, but they are not blood feeders, and will only bite on accident or if provoked. Because they feed on other insects, robber flies are generally considered beneficial.

Where do robber flies lay eggs?

Females deposit small, cream-colored eggs on grass or other plants, soil, bark, or wood, depending on the species. Some eggs are laid singly but most are deposited in large masses covered with a soft, chalky-white material.

Why is a robber fly called a robber fly?

The name “robber flies” reflects their notoriously aggressive predatory habits; they feed mainly or exclusively on other insects and as a rule they wait in ambush and catch their prey in flight.

How many eyes does a robber fly have?

three

Are robber flies rare?

Robber flies grab their insect prey with their bristly legs then kill it with an injection of neurotoxic saliva from their proboscis. It is a very rare animal in a rare habitat; it’s one of our endangered insects.

Is that a giant mosquito?

They are often called giant mosquitoes, mosquito hawks, or mosquito eaters. They are in fact Crane Flies. Crane Flies are 2-4 inches across when mature while Mosquitos are generally 1/4 inch at the adult stage. The life cycle of the Crane Fly is one of the least studied of all the members of the order Insecta.