




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
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.





Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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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!
Laphria fernaldi can catch other flying insects mid-air with incredible speed and agility that helps them secure their next meal.
Laphria fernaldi has a sharp proboscis to inject paralyzing venom into prey, allowing them to overpower insects much larger than themselves.
Laphria fernaldi can mimic the look and sound of a bumblebee, which helps them avoid predators who think they might sting.
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.
Apis mellifera
ambushes foraging bees in flight
Musca domestica
captures common flies for a quick meal
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Tyrannus tyrannus
preyed upon by birds during aerial pursuits
Bombus impatiens
often targets bumblebees despite mimicry
Marked with spots or patches of a different color.
Marked with parallel bands or lines of color.
Aerial creatures spend a significant portion of their lives airborne, utilizing flight for various activities such as hunting, migration, or nesting.
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
An ambush predator hunts by patiently waiting and concealing itself, then launching a sudden attack when unsuspecting prey comes within range.
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel.
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Danger
2/5 · Low
Be careful not to touch insects, as some may bite if they feel scared.
25-40 mm
15-20 mm
15-30 days
25 km/h
A fierce insect hunter, Laphria fernaldi preys on other insects caught in flight.
Grasslands
Ambush
6
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