The Kite Robber Fly (Laphria thoracica) is a large, striking robber fly that mimics a bumblebee, with dense golden-yellow thoracic hair and a black abdomen. It perches on logs and stumps in sunny conifer clearings, launching ambush attacks on visiting beetles, bees, and other large insects. Its bumblebee disguise may help it approach prey more easily.
Habitat
Conifer forest clearings and burned areas
Diet
Adults: beetles, bees, and large insects caught in ambush
How common
Uncommon
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