Robber fly mating

 

Here are two more pictures of mating insects — well, it is that time of year. These are robber flies. 

A Robber fly, also known as an assassin fly, is large and a powerful flyer. Its name reflects the fly’s aggressive predation: it feeds on other insects captured in flight. It has been a decade since I watched a robber fly feasting on a captured bee.

This interaction was more convivial. 

Robber flies mating. I think that the female is on top.

A view from the other side showing the interlocking abdomens.

 

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3 Responses to Robber fly mating

  1. Karen Pidcock says:

    Wow, blown up this much, I’d rather avoid being close!

  2. Tom says:

    Beautiful, other worldly and with magnificent detail!

    Are you using a macro lens? What is the magnification?

    • Alistair says:

      Tom, yes, and stopped way down for good depth of field (which prompted a ring flash for light). The flies were about one centimetre long.

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