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Laphria fernaldi

Laphria fernaldi

Laphria fernaldi, also known as the tiger robber fly, is a cool insect that looks like a tiny tiger! It loves to hunt other insects and can be found buzzing around flowers.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Laphria fernaldi is a stout, hairy fly often mimicking bumblebees with its robust, fuzzy black and yellow or orange body. It has clear wings, large compound eyes, and strong, bristly legs, making it visually distinct from many other fly species.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderDipteraFamilyAsilidaeGenusLaphria
Laphria fernaldi
spotted trait badgestriped trait badgeaerial trait badgegrassland trait badge
Laphria fernaldi

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Despite looking like bees, they cannot sting; their sting is actually a powerful bite!

Robber fly larvae live in soil or rotting wood, preying on other insect larvae!

Some Laphria species are known to hunt other formidable insects, like wasps!

Their scientific name, 'Laphria', means 'greedy' due to their fierce hunting style!

Special abilities

Ability

Aerial Hunter

Laphria fernaldi can catch other flying insects mid-air with incredible speed and agility that helps them secure their next meal.

Ability

Venomous Bite

Laphria fernaldi has a sharp proboscis to inject paralyzing venom into prey, allowing them to overpower insects much larger than themselves.

Ability

Buzz-Off Disguise

Laphria fernaldi can mimic the look and sound of a bumblebee, which helps them avoid predators who think they might sting.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
25-40 mm
Size
15-20 mm
Lifespan
15-30 days
Flight Speed
25 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

A fierce insect hunter, Laphria fernaldi preys on other insects caught in flight.

Age differences: Larvae hunt insect grubs and other small invertebrates in soil or rotting wood.

Primary Foods

  • bees
  • wasps
  • flies
  • beetles
  • grasshoppers

Foraging Method

  • Ambush

Ecological connections

hunts

Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

ambushes foraging bees in flight

hunts

House Fly

Musca domestica

captures common flies for a quick meal

eaten by

Eastern Kingbird

Tyrannus tyrannus

preyed upon by birds during aerial pursuits

hunts

Common Eastern Bumblebee

Bombus impatiens

often targets bumblebees despite mimicry

Traits

Also known as

Tiger Robber Fly

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Be careful not to touch insects, as some may bite if they feel scared.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Laphria fernaldi's wingspan?

25-40 mm

How big is Laphria fernaldi?

15-20 mm

How long does Laphria fernaldi live?

15-30 days

How fast can Laphria fernaldi fly?

25 km/h

What does Laphria fernaldi eat?

A fierce insect hunter, Laphria fernaldi preys on other insects caught in flight.

Where is Laphria fernaldi usually found?

Grasslands

How does Laphria fernaldi hunt?

Ambush

How many legs does Laphria fernaldi have?

6

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Where to spot

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