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Beach Robber Fly
ExploreInsects
Beach Robber Fly
Laphystia litoralis
The Beach Robber Fly is a cool insect that loves to hang out near sandy beaches. It has big eyes and can catch other insects in mid-air, making it a great little hunter!
Habitat: Coastal areas
Appearance
The Beach Robber Fly has a slender body, often covered in fine, sandy-colored hairs for camouflage against coastal dunes. It features large, bulbous eyes that meet at the top of its head and strong, bristly legs ready to grasp prey.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderDipteraFamilyAsilidaeGenusLaphystia
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Robber flies have a bristly "mustache" called a mystax to protect their face from struggling prey.
Some robber flies can mimic bees or wasps to scare off predators, but they don't sting!
Their larvae live in sand and also hunt other small insects underground!
They use a special "basket" made of leg bristles to scoop prey right out of the air!
Special abilities
Ability
Lightning Lunge
Beach Robber Fly can ambush flying insects with incredible speed because of powerful flight muscles and keen eyesight that helps them strike mid-air.
Ability
Venomous Kiss
Beach Robber Fly has sharp, piercing mouthparts that inject paralyzing venom, which helps them quickly subdue and digest their prey.
Ability
Desert Disguise
Beach Robber Fly can blend perfectly with sandy environments because of its pale, dusty coloration, allowing it to hide from both predators and unsuspecting prey.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 15-30 mm
- Size
- 10-15 mm
- Lifespan
- 20-40 days
- Flight Speed
- 35 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
A fierce hunter of other insects, ambushing them in sandy habitats.
Primary Foods
- Flies (Diptera)
- Bees (Hymenoptera)
- Small beetles (Coleoptera)
- Moths (Lepidoptera)
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
hunts
House Fly
Musca domestica
A common meal, snatched from the air.
hunts
European Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
Catches bees visiting nearby coastal flowers.
hunts
Mourning Digger Wasp
Podalonia luctuosa
A swift predator that also hunts insects in sandy areas.
eaten by
Common Tern
Sterna hirundo
Coastal birds like terns may prey on adult robber flies.
Traits
Aerial
Aerial creatures spend a significant portion of their lives airborne, utilizing flight for various activities such as hunting, migration, or nesting.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Coastal
Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Speedster
This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
These flies are not harmful, but it's best to watch them from a distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Beach Robber Fly's wingspan?
15-30 mm
How big is Beach Robber Fly?
10-15 mm
How long does Beach Robber Fly live?
20-40 days
How fast can Beach Robber Fly fly?
35 km/h
What does Beach Robber Fly eat?
A fierce hunter of other insects, ambushing them in sandy habitats.
Where is Beach Robber Fly usually found?
Coastal areas
How does Beach Robber Fly hunt?
Ambush
How many legs does Beach Robber Fly have?
6
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